After 123 years in operation, Hanoi’s iconic Long Bien Bridge is suffering from significant structural deterioration, prompting urgent plans for reinforcement.

According to Tran Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Ha Hai Railway Joint Stock Company, various structural elements of the bridge, particularly the French-era iron beams, have corroded and weakened over time. The most critical damage has been observed at the upstream end of span N18, requiring immediate reinforcement.

Additionally, several wind braces have suffered severe rusting and material loss, while wooden suspension bearings have rotted. The temporary steel supports at piers 6B and 7B have corroded to the point of losing their function, necessitating urgent repairs to ensure safety.

The roadway sections on either side of Long Bien Bridge have also suffered deterioration, with rusting and broken structural components posing risks to users.

Immediate safety measures approved

To safeguard the bridge while long-term plans are being developed, the Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) has requested permission from the Ministry of Construction and the Vietnam Railway Authority to immediately reinforce the most damaged sections.

In response, the Ministry of Construction has acknowledged the urgent need for structural repairs to ensure the safety of both the bridge and railway operations.

The ministry has approved VNR’s request, directing the company to oversee the necessary maintenance and reinforcement work in accordance with established preservation guidelines for Long Bien Bridge.

The Vietnam Railways Corporation has also been instructed to incorporate these emergency repairs into the 2025 National Railway Infrastructure Maintenance Plan, ensuring that the most critical sections are stabilized as soon as possible.

French-funded study to explore Long Bien Bridge’s future

Beyond these immediate repairs, authorities are also considering long-term solutions for the future of Long Bien Bridge. On March 5, Hanoi’s Vice Chairman, Duong Duc Tuan, signed a decision approving the "Long Bien Bridge Renovation Study" technical assistance project.

The project is funded by a grant from the French Embassy’s Economic Office in Vietnam, through the French Ministry of Economy and Finance’s FASEP Fund. The study is expected to last 11 months and conclude in 2025, with a total budget of €710,510.

The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of various renovation and usage scenarios for the bridge. Key objectives include ensuring structural safety for all users - including trains, motorbikes, and pedestrians - as well as exploring potential future functions once railway operations cease.

Three main components of the study

The project is divided into three key phases:

Survey, data collection, and structural assessment: Experts will conduct a detailed evaluation of the bridge’s current condition and analyze the extent of damage.

Short-term safety improvements: The study will propose immediate restoration measures to maintain safe traffic flow.

Future usage planning: Potential repurposing options for the bridge will be explored once railway services are discontinued, with a transition plan for management by Hanoi’s municipal authorities.

As one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks, Long Bien Bridge holds both historical and cultural significance. The combination of emergency reinforcements and long-term restoration planning aims to preserve its legacy while ensuring continued public safety.

N. Huyen