Prime Minister Inspects Phong Chau Bridge Project and Recognizes Construction Team’s Efforts
On August 9th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected the progress of the Phong Chau Bridge project and reviewed the land clearance and resettlement process for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line. He also provided input on the proposal for a new road connecting Hoa Binh ward (in the former Hoa Binh province) and Viet Tri ward (in the former Phu Tho province). The Prime Minister was accompanied by leaders of relevant ministries, sectors, and local authorities.
Notably, at the construction site of the new Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho province, the Prime Minister examined the progress and boosted the morale of the engineers and workers.
Prime Minister inspecting the new Phong Chau Bridge project. Source: VGP
The new Phong Chau Bridge spans the Red River on National Highway 32 and was constructed after the old Phong Chau Bridge collapsed due to Typhoon Yagi. The new bridge connects Phuong Nguyen and Van Xuan communes in Phu Tho province, with a length of 383 meters and access roads on both sides measuring over 110 meters each.
The new Phong Chau Bridge project was initiated at the end of 2024 as an emergency construction project. With a total investment of over VND 635 billion from the central budget’s reserve funds, the project is managed by the Thang Long Project Management Unit under the Ministry of Construction, and the construction is undertaken by Brigade 12 – Truong Son Construction Corporation.
According to the units’ report to the Prime Minister, they are currently on track with the progress of various components, with some even ahead of schedule. The overall project completion has reached over 75% in value. The units are striving to complete the bridge’s main span by August 28th and aim for its inauguration by the end of September, with traffic expected to flow in early October.
Prime Minister presenting gifts to encourage the engineers and workers constructing the new Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho province. Source: VGP
At the construction site, the Prime Minister acknowledged the valuable lessons learned from the implementation of the new Phong Chau Bridge project. After the collapse of the old bridge, local residents faced significant challenges in their daily commute. The Prime Minister’s directive to treat this as an emergency situation and select a contractor under special circumstances resulted in a three-month time reduction and substantial cost savings compared to the initial estimate.
The Prime Minister commended the resolute leadership of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, as well as the determined efforts of Brigade 12, who worked tirelessly through the Tet holiday and other breaks to ensure timely and high-quality project execution.
Additionally, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of National Defense to immediately recognize and reward the Truong Son Construction Corporation for their outstanding contribution. He also agreed to utilize the savings from the project to expand the construction and complete the connecting road system in harmony with the main bridge.
Recalling the spirit of “Glory only comes to those who keep their promises,” the Prime Minister encouraged the units to strive for the main span completion and on-time inauguration, thereby facilitating smooth travel for the people.
Prime Minister encouraging the officers, soldiers, and engineers of Brigade 249, Engineering Corps (Ministry of National Defense), who are responsible for operating the Phong Chau pontoon bridge. Source: VGP
Furthermore, the Prime Minister visited and presented gifts to encourage the officers and soldiers of Brigade 249, Engineering Corps (Ministry of National Defense). This unit has been dedicated to operating the Phong Chau pontoon bridge, ensuring uninterrupted traffic for the local population since the collapse of the old Phong Chau Bridge. The Prime Minister praised their relentless efforts and urged them to continue serving the people and fulfilling their mission with excellence.
New Phong Chau Bridge Project Expected to Complete Three Months Ahead of Schedule
The Phong Chau pontoon bridge in Phu Tho has been in operation daily to facilitate the travel needs of local residents during the construction of the new permanent bridge. Source: Engineering Corps
The new Phong Chau Bridge is a permanent structure made of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete with a width of 20.5 meters, matching the width of the road. Since its groundbreaking on December 21, 2024, the construction of the new bridge has been a round-the-clock endeavor to meet the goal of early project completion and to heal the wounds left by the collapse of the old Phong Chau Bridge.
According to the Truong Son Construction Corporation, the contractor for the new Phong Chau Bridge, as of early August 2025, only seven out of a total of 60 segments remain to be constructed. With the current pace of work, the main span is expected to be completed before September 2, 2025.
Following the main span completion, the contractor will finalize the remaining components, including technical adjustments, quality assurance of the constructed segments, asphalt concrete paving, expansion joints, guardrails, lighting system, and road markings. The entire project is anticipated to be finished and ready for operation by early October 2025. If this goal is achieved, the new Phong Chau Bridge project will be completed approximately three months ahead of the initial schedule.
The Ultimate Traffic Solution: A 229km, $320 Million Project with a High-Tech, Time-Saving Twist.
The project, spanning 31 communes across two provinces of Lao Cai and Phu Tho with a total length of 229km, faced a challenging task: shortening the construction time from 2 years to just 6 months.
The Bridge to Success: Just Two Months to Go Until the Typhoon-Damaged Overpass is Rebuilt
“In a recent development, Phu Tho Province’s People’s Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong has urged contractors to expedite the construction of the new Phong Chau Bridge. With a target completion date set for September 2, the chairman aims to have the bridge functional and open to the public by early October. This ambitious timeline underscores the province’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure development.”
3,100 Workers, 1,150 Machines: Deo Ca Consortium’s Round-the-Clock Effort to Surpass Construction Schedule for Vietnam’s Most Ambitious North-South Expressway Project.
As of the end of July, the Deo Ca Corporation reported a project output value of approximately 10 trillion VND, equivalent to 75% of the total volume.
A Nation’s Jubilee: Celebrating 80 Years of Unity and Culture
On Wednesday, August 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting of the Government’s Standing Committee on important issues, including the design and operation of the exhibition “80 Years of Independence, Freedom and Happiness.”
The Prime Minister’s Command: ‘Victory is Non-Negotiable’
“In directing the development of Vietnam’s International Financial Center, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of thinking big, innovating, and harnessing the power of the people and businesses. With a resolute attitude, he asserted, “Our strength lies in our bold vision, our drive for innovation, and the unity of our people and enterprises. When we strive together, victory and success are inevitable.”
