France sponsors 20 billion VND for research on renovating Long Bien bridge

Recently, the Hanoi People's Committee issued a decision approving the Technical Assistance Project Document "Research on the Renovation of Long Bien Bridge" using non-refundable aid from the economic agency of the French Embassy in Vietnam through the FASEP Fund of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The project has a total investment of nearly 20 billion VND, implementation time of 11 months, expected to be completed in 2025.

The project consists of three components: survey, data collection; analysis, evaluation; proposal of solutions for short-term renovation and repair of Long Bien Bridge to ensure traffic safety. After that, the units will study and propose a plan for using the bridge in the future when the national railway line across the bridge is discontinued and handed over to the Hanoi People's Committee for management.

France funds 20 billion VND for research on renovating Long Bien bridge. (Illustration photo)

According to the representative of Hanoi People's Committee, Long Bien Bridge is one of the typical locations, the project belongs to the historical symbol and has been a part of Hanoi's landscape for over a century. The project is implemented to provide solutions to ensure the structural safety and other future uses of Long Bien Bridge, such as ensuring the safety of people and vehicles using the project, including railways, two-wheelers, and pedestrians.

Hanoi assigns the Department of Transport (project owner) to be responsible before the law for the accuracy and legality of the information and data shown in the adjustment dossier; organize the management and implementation of the investment project to ensure compliance with the provisions of the law, the city and the sponsor.

According to the request of the city government, units need to manage and use public investment capital economically and effectively, avoiding loss and waste.

Long Bien Bridge was built in 1898 and completed in 1902, designed and constructed by the French company Daydé & Pillé. With a total length of 2,290 m, Long Bien Bridge was once among the longest bridges in the world, second only to the Brooklyn Bridge across the East-River in the US.

Over the course of more than a century, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many important historical events of the nation, especially during the two resistance wars against France and the US. The bridge was damaged many times by bombs but was still repaired and continued to be used, becoming a symbol of the capital Hanoi.

Currently, Long Bien Bridge is the vital bridge of railway traffic, connecting railway transport with the northern provinces. In addition to railway vehicles, Long Bien Bridge only allows motorbikes and bicycles to circulate.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/phap-tai-tro-20-ty-dong-nghien-cuu-cai-tao-cau-long-bien-210579.html