Police forces inspect the quality of the Lo River Bridge. PHOTO: Provided by the Police
According to the Department of Construction of Phu Tho Province, Urban and Industrial Zone Development Investment Joint Stock Company (UDIDECO)—the unit directly responsible for constructing the Lo River Bridge over a decade ago—has submitted a proposal to the Provincial People’s Committee. The company offers to self-fund repairs to address the bridge’s severe damages.
This move coincides with the Phu Tho Provincial Police Investigation Agency’s decision to initiate a criminal case for “Violating Construction Regulations, Causing Serious Consequences” (under Clause 3, Article 298 of the Penal Code) on November 6. The case pertains to violations during the bridge’s construction from 2010 to 2015.
Multiple pile foundation positions expose rusted steel reinforcement. PHOTO: Provided by the Police
Previously, reports highlighted that the pile foundations of the Lo River Bridge, particularly at pier T3, were exposed, revealing rusted steel cores and posing potential safety risks. Preliminary police inspections confirmed these concerns as valid.
The Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee has yet to officially respond to UDIDECO’s proposal. The province has also halted plans to use state funds for repairs, pending a comprehensive review of the entire construction investment process.
At the central level, the Ministry of Construction has directed the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee to task the Department of Construction with inspecting the bridge’s current state and requiring the management unit to conduct a quality assessment. The ministry also recommends immediate safety measures, such as restricting access and limiting load capacity. Inspection results must be reported to the Ministry of Construction by November 15.
Parties Involved in the Project
The Lo River Bridge and the reinforcement of the left bank’s embankment have a total investment of VND 320 billion, with the bridge construction package alone costing VND 215 billion.
The project was overseen by the former Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Phu Tho Province. During the project’s execution (2010–2015), the department had three directors: Mr. Nguyen Duc Thien (pre-2010 to September 2012), Mr. Nguyen Trong Thuy (September 2012 to September 2014), and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai (October 2014 until completion).
The main contractor, UDIDECO, is headquartered in Hanoi, with Ms. Phan Thi Duc as its legal representative. The company has a history in infrastructure development. Following the case’s initiation, UDIDECO’s website became inaccessible.
Supervision responsibilities were held by a consortium comprising BRITEC (Large Bridge and Tunnel Design Consulting Joint Stock Company) and Southern Engineers and Consultants Joint Stock Company. BRITEC operates under the Transportation Engineering Design Incorporated (TEDI) system.
Currently, the Phu Tho Department of Construction maintains a ban on automobiles crossing the Lo River Bridge. Only motorbikes, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians are permitted, with a speed limit of 20 km/h.
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