Appearance of the 'seagull wing' steel arch bridge in Vung Tau

BA RIA - VUNG TAU With a budget of nearly 115 billion VND, Co May bridge was decorated with a stylized seagull wing shape, creating a highlight at the gateway to Vung Tau city.

The architectural renovation project of Co May Bridge was completed after more than 4 years of construction. The bridge is 258 m long and 38 m wide on National Highway 51 across the Co May River connecting the two cities of Ba Ria and Vung Tau. Initially, the project was approved with a capital of 98 billion VND, then the scale was adjusted to increase the total investment to 115 billion VND.

Inspired by the seagull's wings, it is shaped by 500 mm diameter steel pipes bent, connecting 200 mm pipes, forming groups of tetrahedrons to ensure load-bearing capacity.

The trusses on both sides of the bridge are connected together by 10 horizontal steel braces. The entire structure uses nearly 2,000 tons of steel, which were brought in by barge and lifted up for welding.

The main space truss, over 26 m high, is installed on newly built abutments, completely separate from the existing bridge. The abutments in the middle of the bridge are designed to ensure that they do not obstruct the passage of ships.

There are about 200 color-changing LED lights installed on the bridge frame to create an effect at night while still ensuring illumination for passing vehicles.

The two abutments on the Ba Ria City side have steps leading to two walkways with railings over one meter high. "According to the design, these were walkways for residents and tourists, but this plan was eliminated. These two walkways are still being built but serve as technical corridors," said the investor's representative.

There is also a parking area. Previously, this area was overgrown with weeds and littered with trash, but now it has become airy and clean for people to walk and enjoy the cool breeze.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, in Vung Tau City, stopped his car to visit the bridge.

Vehicles are dismantling the iron scaffolding for construction on the river.

According to the investor, the bridge's stylized shape from a seagull's wing is imbued with local character, expressing the desire to fly high and far, while contributing to beautifying the landscape architecture of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, bringing a good impression to residents and tourists.