The design of the bridge comprises two parallel spans, each with a width of 16.5m and a distance of 11.8m between them. The unique feature of this bridge is the pedestrian bridge and observation deck situated between the two spans, with a width of 7.9m and a landscape architectural scale of approximately 163.84m².
3D rendering of the Trang An Water Bridge.
Previously, in late 2023, the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh City (now Hoa Lu) proposed a bold idea to construct a “water bridge,” inspired by the Veluwemeer Water Bridge in the Netherlands, at the same location. A water bridge is a unique type of transportation infrastructure where a water channel crosses over a road, creating a striking landscape and tourism attraction.
This proposal included a request for a provincial budget support of 130 billion VND to develop a synchronized technical infrastructure system for the project. However, after consideration, the Department of Planning and Investment (now the Department of Finance) and related units reported to the Provincial People’s Committee about the technical, financial, and construction condition obstacles at the Trang An – Le Thai To intersection.
The leaders of Ninh Binh Province evaluated that, had it been feasible, the water bridge would have become a new symbol of Ninh Binh tourism, with tourist boats gliding on the water above while vehicles traveled underneath. Nevertheless, technical challenges, high construction costs, and specific geographical and geological requirements made this option impractical.
While many locals expressed disappointment at the inability to realize the one-of-a-kind water bridge idea, the choice to build a solid bridge with an observation deck combined with a pedestrian bridge strikes a balance between technical factors, economics, and symbolic value, adding a new scenic highlight to the Trang An – Hoa Lu heritage area.
