Ca Mau proposes inspection of suspension bridge after reports of damaged pillars

Authorities in Ca Mau province, Vietnam, are responding to public concerns about the structural integrity of the Rach Rang suspension bridge. The People's Committee of Tran Van Thoi commune has formally requested the provincial Department of Construction to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the rural bridge.

This action follows social media posts that revealed alarming damage to the bridge's pillars, including cracked and peeling concrete. The reports indicated that the protective concrete layer had deteriorated, exposing the underlying structure in some areas. Concerns have been raised about potential erosion at the base of the pillars, which could compromise the bridge's load-bearing capacity.

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The Rach Rang suspension bridge is a traffic work serving the needs of travel, goods transport, agricultural production, and traffic connection for people in the area.

The Rach Rang suspension bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the local community, facilitating daily travel, the transport of agricultural goods, and overall connectivity. The bridge experiences substantial traffic, particularly during harvest seasons and school days. Local authorities have already conducted an initial inspection, confirming the damage and noting that while immediate repairs have been made to cover exposed rebar, a full assessment is necessary.

The bridge was constructed in July 2010 with an investment of approximately 15 billion Vietnamese dong (around $600,000 USD). It spans over 100 meters and is 3.5 meters wide, designed to handle a load of 3.5 tons. The commune's request emphasizes the need for a thorough evaluation of the bridge's technical condition, especially its pillars and foundations, to ensure public safety and prevent potential accidents, particularly during adverse weather conditions or periods of high traffic.

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The bridge pillar is cracked, the protective concrete layer is peeling, some positions at the base of the pillar have signs of erosion, exposing the concrete structure, showing signs of affecting the load-bearing capacity of the work, posing a risk of unsafety during operation and use, especially during storms or when the volume of vehicles increases.