Old Dong Nai Bridge, Built in 1964, Faces Clearance Issues; Upgrade Considered

The old Dong Nai Bridge, constructed in 1964, features a low clearance of 5.5 meters, posing significant challenges for riverine transportation. In recent years, multiple incidents have occurred where watercraft have collided with the bridge's pillars, resulting in vessels becoming stranded beneath its structure.

According to the Dong Nai Department of Construction, the old Dong Nai Bridge, also known as Dong Nai 1, is a critical piece of infrastructure on National Highway 1. It spans the Dong Nai River, connecting Dong Nai City with Ho Chi Minh City. The new Dong Nai Bridge was completed in 2018 to alleviate traffic load on the older structure.

The original bridge is made of steel, while the newer one is constructed from reinforced concrete. The steel framework of the old bridge, featuring a curved design, rests on concrete foundations submerged in the riverbed. A walkway runs along the underside of the bridge, facilitating inspection and repair work.

Currently, the Ministry of Construction is seeking opinions on a proposal to increase the clearance of the old Dong Nai Bridge from 5.5 meters to 7 meters. The Dong Nai Department of Construction supports this initiative, citing the necessity of improving navigation safety. The department noted that the collisions with the bridge's pillars by watercraft have impacted both the structural integrity of the bridge and the flow of traffic in the area.