The People’s Committee of Phu Tho Province has issued Official Dispatch No. 9800, urging the completion of a report on the implementation results and proposing a repair plan to address the damage to the Song Lo Bridge in Doan Hung Commune.
Previously, on November 22, Mr. Quach Tat Liem, Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Provincial People’s Committee, chaired a meeting to hear preliminary reports from the Department of Construction and related agencies regarding the bridge’s damage and the progress of repair efforts.
The Vice Chairman tasked the Department of Construction with comprehensively overseeing the handling and completion of documents. The repair plan must be approved by the Provincial Police before submission to the People’s Committee. The police are also requested to cooperate and provide support throughout the construction process.
The Phu Tho Provincial Police have initiated a criminal case for Violation of Construction Regulations Causing Serious Consequences at the Song Lo Bridge project. Photo: Provided by the Police
Based on inspection results and expert opinions, the Department of Construction will select a qualified consulting firm for design, review, supervision, and construction. Regarding funding, the People’s Committee has instructed the Department of Construction to collaborate with the Department of Finance and relevant agencies to propose a plan utilizing capital from the Urban and Industrial Zone Development Investment Corporation.
The Department of Construction must expedite procedures to commence repairs and ensure the bridge is operational by March 2026.
Additionally, the Department has established a Task Force to provide regular updates to the People’s Committee on any challenges encountered during implementation.
The People’s Committee has also directed the Department of Finance, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Provincial Police, and the Project Management Unit of Phu Tho to closely coordinate and support the Department of Construction in fulfilling its duties as per regulations.
As reported by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, on October 27, sources highlighted safety concerns regarding the Song Lo Bridge in Doan Hung Commune, Phu Tho Province. Inspections revealed exposed pile foundations of several bridge piers, particularly pier T3, where significant soil erosion had created a large cavity approximately 2 meters deep, exposing rusted steel reinforcement bars and missing concrete protection.
On the same day, the Phu Tho Department of Construction issued a ban on all traffic across the Song Lo Bridge until authorities could implement safety measures.
Upon inspection, the Investigative Police Agency confirmed the reported damage. Subsequently, they collaborated with the Provincial People’s Procuracy, Department of Construction, and other relevant units to conduct a site examination, collect samples for expert analysis, and initiate an investigation.
On November 6, the Investigative Police Agency of Phu Tho Provincial Police filed a criminal case for Violation of Construction Regulations Causing Serious Consequences at the Song Lo Bridge project (Doan Hung Commune, Phu Tho), covering the period from 2010 to 2015, under Article 298, Clause 3 of the Penal Code.
The Song Lo Bridge, spanning the Lo River, began construction in August 2010 with a total investment of 215 billion VND from government bonds. It was inaugurated and opened to traffic on March 21, 2015.
The bridge is 517.8 meters long with a load capacity of 30 tons, and its approach roads extend 850 meters on both ends. After over a decade of operation, signs of deterioration have emerged. To ensure public safety, Phu Tho Province has restricted heavy vehicles from crossing the bridge and implemented traffic diversions in the area.
Proposed Master Plan for the Viet Tri – Hoa Binh Expressway
The People’s Committee of Phú Thọ Province has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction, requesting the inclusion of the Việt Trì – Hòa Bình Expressway in the National Road Network Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050.
Exciting News for the Residents of Phú Thọ Province
The Phú Thọ Provincial People’s Committee has proposed the construction of the Việt Trì – Hòa Bình Expressway, spanning approximately 42 kilometers. Designed with a minimum of four lanes and a speed limit of 100 km/h, this project is slated for investment between 2026 and 2030.
“Contractor Blames Lô River Bridge Collapse on Flooding, Offers to Fund Repairs Twice”
UDIDECO, a leading contractor, has proactively offered to repair all damages to the Sông Lô Bridge using its own funds, committing to a lifetime warranty for the province of Phú Thọ throughout the bridge’s operational lifespan. Notably, the contractor attributes the current bridge deterioration to “heavy rainfall and flooding.” As of now, the company’s website is inaccessible.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Unraveling the Song Lo Bridge Scandal
During the investigation, authorities will thoroughly examine: Who approved the design and survey; Who signed the acceptance report despite the project failing to meet standards; Who authorized changes in materials and structures without re-evaluation; and who directly supervised the construction process.
Critical Damage to Lo River Bridge: Contractor Offers to Fund Repairs
The Lo River Bridge project in Phu Tho province is facing severe structural damage, prompting the Investigative Police Agency to initiate legal proceedings. Amidst this crisis, the construction contractor, Udideco, has offered to self-fund the necessary repairs and restoration efforts.
