Vietnam's 120-year-old Duong Bridge to be replaced by new Le Chi Bridge

After more than 120 years serving as a vital artery, the Duong Bridge is preparing to be dismantled, making way for the new Le Chi Bridge, which is currently under intensive construction.

Built in 1902, the Duong Bridge has severely deteriorated. Its patched surface struggles to handle current traffic volumes, leading to persistent congestion. At times, vehicles overflow into adjacent alleyways along the riverbank, causing localized chaos. The new Le Chi Bridge project, constructed concurrently with the existing structure, boasts a total investment of over 1,800 billion VND. It features a design with two independent units, including a railway bridge with a steel truss structure adjacent to the current bridge, and a road bridge with soaring steel arches that will span the Duong River.

Hanoi plans to demolish the old bridge in September 2026, immediately after the replacement structure opens to traffic. This move aims to ease traffic congestion for both road and water transport. Contractors are maximizing personnel and equipment at the construction site, working diligently to meet the deadline. Residents in the area have long anticipated the new infrastructure. "Even though the construction causes some noise, we are happy to see the progress being made. We have been waiting for years for a new bridge to travel safely and escape the miserable traffic jams," shared resident Thu Hang.

The opening of the Le Chi Bridge will mark the end of the Duong Bridge's 120-year journey, ushering in a new era of connectivity and development for the northeastern gateway of the capital. The new structure includes a 382-meter-long, 18.5-meter-wide road bridge with eight lanes, and a 1000-meter-long railway bridge accommodating both 1000 mm and 1435 mm standard gauges. The modern design with its high clearance will definitively resolve the bottleneck for river traffic.

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Even though the construction causes some noise, we are happy to see the progress being made. We have been waiting for years for a new bridge to travel safely and escape the miserable traffic jams.