Urgent removal of Phong Chau pontoon bridge

According to information from Phu Tho Provincial Police, to ensure safety for people and vehicles, from 8:30 a.m. today (October 16), authorities were forced to cut off the Phong Chau pontoon bridge.

W-thao cau phao 6.jpg — *The water level of the Red River rose, forcing Brigade 249 to cut the pontoon bridge.*

When safety conditions are met, Brigade 249 will reconnect the pontoon bridge to serve people's travel between Tam Nong and Lam Thao districts.

This is the second time the engineering force has been forced to cut the bridge, after resuming operations for more than 10 days.

Previously, on October 1, Brigade 249 cut the Phong Chau pontoon bridge, then reinstalled it on October 6.

pontoon bridge.jpeg — The army uses specialized ferries to support people and some types of vehicles across the Red River.

While waiting for the Phong Chau pontoon bridge to be reconnected, the military will use a specialized ferry to transport vehicles and people across the river. Specifically, the vehicles being transported by ferry include: motorbikes, electric motorbikes, electric bicycles and pedestrians. The ferry will operate from 2pm to 8pm today and from 6am to 8pm on the following days.

Image of engineers using a ferry to transport people after the Phong Chau bridge collapsed

The army's specialized ferry to transport vehicles and people across the Red River has been put into operation by Brigade 249, Engineering Corps.

Current status of Phong Chau pontoon bridge after having to be dismantled due to strong river flow

The water level on the Red River in Phu Tho province rose and flowed rapidly, forcing authorities to dismantle the Phong Chau pontoon bridge to ensure the safety of people and equipment.