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From 8:30 AM on September 10, 2024, the Hanoi Department of Transport officially implemented a plan to restrict traffic on Chuong Duong Bridge to ensure the safety of road users. Accordingly, vehicles such as passenger buses, contract vehicles, tourist buses with more than 9 seats, and trucks with a load capacity exceeding 0.5 tons will be prohibited from crossing the bridge. This regulation applies to both directions of travel, from Hoan Kiem to Long Bien and vice versa. However, buses are still allowed to operate normally, serving the transportation needs of the people.
Vehicles prohibited from crossing the Chuong Duong Bridge will be rerouted to other bridges across the Red River, such as Thanh Tri, Nhat Tan, Vinh Tuy, and Thang Long. These bridges have a better load-bearing capacity and ensure safety in the current extreme weather conditions. The Department of Transport also stated that this ban will remain in effect until further notice.
Traffic participants are being diverted to use another bridge.
This decision was made amidst complex flood situations, with hydroelectric power plants releasing water after the impact of Typhoon No. 3 (Typhoon Yagi), leading to rising water levels and strong currents in the Red River, creating significant pressure and threatening the infrastructure of bridges. Particularly concerning is the serious incident in Phu Tho yesterday, September 9th, when the Phong Chau bridge unexpectedly collapsed, sending 10 cars, 2 motorbikes, and 13 people into the river.
To prevent similar risks, the Hanoi City Traffic Safety Board has also requested districts, counties, and towns to quickly review and inspect the entire traffic infrastructure system, especially in areas affected by storms and on river bridges under the city's management. "We are determined to prevent people and vehicles from crossing bridges at risk of collapse!", a representative of the agency emphasized.
The Chuong Duong Bridge has been in use since June 1985, making it 39 years old to date.
To ensure the effective implementation of the traffic adjustment plan in the city, the Hanoi Department of Transport has requested the Traffic Police Department of the Hanoi City Police to deploy forces to guide and direct traffic flow, preventing congestion, while also increasing inspections and strictly handling cases of traffic safety violations. The Inspectorate of the Department of Transport will also coordinate with relevant units to monitor the situation, promptly identify shortcomings in the implementation process, and propose appropriate adjustment plans.
Therefore, in the coming period, Hanoi residents need to pay attention to complying with the new traffic regulations on Chuong Duong Bridge and consider choosing alternative routes to ensure safety and avoid traffic congestion during peak hours.
