The military pontoon bridge was ensured to operate by the Engineering Corps after the Phong Chau bridge collapsed – Photo: Engineering Corps
Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online, Colonel Nguyen Dang Chien - Head of the Propaganda Department of the Engineering Corps - said that after reporting to the agencies under the ministry, the Department of Operations, the staff agency for the Ministry of National Defense, directed the Engineering Corps to ensure the operation of the pontoon bridge for people to travel until June 30, 2026.
In recent times, the Engineering Corps, specifically Brigade 249, has been responsible for maintaining the operation of the Phong Chau pontoon bridge and military ferry.
However, due to the impact of storms and floods as well as changes in weather and its specificity, the military pontoon bridge has had to continuously stop operating to ensure absolute safety for the people.
On the morning of October 18, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired a meeting to listen to a report on the implementation of the new Phong Chau bridge construction project in Phu Tho province.
At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Duy Lam said that if the procedures for investment and construction of works in emergency situations are followed, it is expected that in December 2024, the ministry will complete the procedures for approving the investment project, appointing contractors, and starting the project, including completing the survey, design, and construction of bridge piers before April 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha also requested the Ministry of Transport and the People's Committee of Phu Tho province to direct contractors to complete the bridge foundation construction before April 2025, before the storm season begins, and then carry out other construction items to complete the entire project in 2025.
The 249th Engineer Brigade stopped the military ferry to reinstall the pontoon bridge – Photo: Engineer Corps
Stop military ferry, continue to rebuild pontoon bridge
Speaking with Tuoi Tre Online , Colonel Nguyen Dang Chien said that at noon on October 18, he stopped taking people across the river by military ferry and rebuilt the Phong Chau pontoon bridge.
It is expected that on the afternoon of October 18, after ensuring safety in the installation of the pontoon bridge, people will be able to move normally across the river.
Previously, on October 16, the engineering force had to cut the bridge and stop the operation of Phong Chau pontoon bridge urgently when the river water rose and flowed rapidly to ensure absolute safety for people and vehicles crossing the bridge, as well as to ensure that the pontoon bridge itself was not damaged or swept away.
Comment (0)