VietNamNet Bridge – Every day, thousands of people in the districts of My Duc, Thanh Oai and Phu Xuyen in Hanoi risk their lives on old and downgraded suspension bridges crossing the Day and Van Dinh rivers.
The Phuong Nhi wooden bridge spanning the Van Dinh River, connecting Hong Duong Commune in Thanh Oai to Phu Tuc commune in Phu Xuyen district serves hundreds of visitors and vehicles each day.
The bridge was built in 1970, made of bamboo. In 1973, Phuong Nhi village built a new bridge of 30m long, 1m width, with iron pillars and beams. The bridge surface is made of wood panels. The bridge is nearly 3m high from the river surface. To pass the bridge, locals have to pay VND2,000/motorcycle, VND1,000/bicycle. This source of revenue is to maintain the bridge.
Many wooden planks are damaged; some fractures and girders are rusty….
Many accidents occurred on the bridge, with 6-7 cases per year on average.
The 40m Lang Van pontoon bridge across the Day River connects the two districts of My Duc and Ung Hoa. This pontoon has been used for nearly 30 years.
The bridge is assembled by small iron and steel bars. The bridge is shaken whenever a motorcycle passes.
Many people do not dare to drive motorbike through this bridge.
The bridge banisters are tied by robes.
Many sections of the bridge do not have steel banisters. Locals use bamboo sticks as alternatives.
Also across the Day River, the Tu Duong pontoon connecting Lac Duong commune of Ung Hoa district and Lai Tao of My Duc district is coupled with the temporary wooden bars.
Ropes are used to fix the pontoon.
According to local people, the pontoon was built over 20 years ago by two local families. At least two people died when passing the bridge. |
Zing