“Century-Old Landmark in Hanoi, Once Built by 8,300 Workers with Unprecedented Technology, Set for Major Upgrade”

Investment of VND 12.5 Trillion in Maintenance and Repair of Thang Long Bridge

The Hanoi Department of Construction has issued Decision No. 2942/QĐ-SXD approving the project for the repair and traffic safety enhancement at both ends of Thang Long Bridge, with a total investment of VND 12.5 trillion from the city’s budget. The project, represented by the Infrastructure Maintenance Board, is set to commence in 2025.

According to the Department of Construction, the project focuses on addressing damages to the asphalt concrete surface at both ends of the bridge—areas with high traffic volume and frequent heavy loads. Additionally, the project aims to synchronize traffic organization and add necessary features to enhance safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Experts emphasize that the primary goal of the project is to ensure traffic safety while meeting the growing demands for travel and cargo transportation at the northern gateway of the capital. Timely repairs are expected to reduce safety risks, minimize congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of the road.

The Department of Construction requires all participating units to strictly adhere to state and city regulations regarding investment management, quality, and costs. They must also ensure compliance with technical standards and timelines during construction. The Maintenance Board and consulting units are responsible for the accuracy and feasibility of technical documents, volumes, and design solutions in the submitted reports.

“Century Project” in Hanoi Once Mobilized 8,300 Workers, Utilizing Unprecedented Technology

Thang Long Bridge, the second bridge across the Red River in Hanoi after Long Bien Bridge, began construction on November 26, 1974, and was officially inaugurated on May 9, 1985, after 11 years of continuous work. The project is considered a symbol of Vietnamese-Soviet friendship and a significant milestone in the capital’s infrastructure development.

Located at km6+300 on the Nam Thang Long route, a vital artery connecting Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi’s city center, the bridge is approximately 11 km upstream from Long Bien Bridge. Thang Long Bridge serves as a strategic transportation hub, enhancing connectivity in the northern region of the Red River.

With a length of 3,250 meters, Thang Long Bridge features a modern steel truss structure, comprising two separate levels. Upon completion, it was the longest bridge in Vietnam at the time.

Dubbed the “century project,” Thang Long Bridge incorporated cutting-edge construction technologies, unparalleled in Southeast Asia during that era. Notably, its steel structure and steel deck were groundbreaking achievements, marking a significant leap for Vietnam’s bridge-building industry.

The project was executed by the Thang Long Bridge Complex Enterprise, with the workforce expanding from 1,600 to 8,300 workers during peak construction. The Soviet Union supported Vietnam in training deep-sea divers, automatic welding technicians, and spray painters—advanced skills rare in the region at that time.

Preparation for construction was extensive, requiring nearly two years to clear 190 hectares of land across 8 communes in Dong Anh and Tu Liem districts. Additionally, nearly 50 km of railway, 20 km of roads, and over 10,000 m² of housing and workshops for workers were built before the project’s official launch.

After nearly 40 years of operation, Thang Long Bridge remains a critical component of Hanoi’s transportation network. It not only facilitates travel but also plays a vital role in cargo transportation and trade between Hanoi and northern provinces. With its historical, technical, and contemporary significance, Thang Long Bridge continues to be an iconic infrastructure project in Hanoi.