Long Bien Bridge reopens to traffic from May 28

Hanoi's iconic Long Bien Bridge is set to reopen to traffic starting May 28, following a 60-day closure for urgent repairs. The bridge will once again allow motorcycles, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians to cross, operating in both directions between Phuong Bo De and Hoan Kiem. The reopening aims to alleviate traffic pressure that has significantly impacted alternative routes.

The temporary closure was implemented to facilitate repairs on the pedestrian and motorcycle lanes of the historic structure. During this period, traffic was rerouted to the Chuong Duong Bridge. This diversion led to considerable congestion, particularly during peak hours, as many commuters relied on Chuong Duong Bridge to access central Hanoi, causing traffic jams on surrounding roads.

Long Bien Bridge, constructed between 1899 and 1902, has endured over 120 years of use and two wars. While parts of the bridge have been significantly altered or lost over time, several original spans on the Hanoi side and a portion on the Gia Lam side retain their historical appearance. The recent repairs are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the aging infrastructure, which has undergone multiple repair projects costing hundreds of billions of Vietnamese dong.

This latest closure, which began in November 2025, specifically targeted repairs on a section of the bridge used for non-motorized vehicles, impacting the route from Phuong Bo De to Hoan Kiem. The Hanoi Department of Construction has instructed the project management and construction units to promptly remove temporary traffic signs and restore the original signage to ensure safety upon the bridge's reopening.