What considerations are needed when overhauling the Long Bien Bridge?

According to experts, Long Bien Bridge is an important historical and cultural symbol of Hanoi . Repairing and preserving the bridge requires careful consideration of many factors to achieve long-term effectiveness while maintaining its heritage value.

Severe deterioration

In recent days, people traveling across Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi have noticed a sign clearly stating: "Motorcycles only, cars and three-wheeled vehicles are strictly prohibited." The sign was erected by authorities following growing concerns about the bridge's structural integrity.

According to observations by reporters from Giao Thong Newspaper, except for some steel structures that were painted with anti-rust paint, but only on the parts adjacent to the bridge's structure, the rest of the interwoven steel structures, nearly ten meters high, remained covered in a thick black layer of rust and corroded with iron filings.

At platform number 10-TL-N2, on the Hanoi inner city to Long Bien section, between the two support columns, the bracing bars still have to be braced with wood.

Observing the sleepers that support the railway tracks used daily, many were cracked, and some with wide cracks were tied together with steel wire by the workers.

On the bridge's surface, it's easy to see cracks and holes, some so wide that road users can see the Red River water below. Looking at the railings on both sides, many sections are leaning towards the river, and the bridge management unit has had to use short iron bars welded to reinforce them to the bridge deck.

Mr. Vu Hung (Ngoc Lam, Long Bien, Hanoi) said: "The bridge has undergone many repairs, but the unevenness and cracks on the bridge surface cannot be fixed. I have to cross the bridge every day to go to work, and I feel very unsafe."

Acknowledging the serious deterioration of the Long Bien Bridge, a representative from the Hanoi Department of Transport said that many areas have rust and wear on the bridge's cross-section, and the bridge management unit regularly carries out maintenance and minor repairs. However, many locations still pose potential safety risks.

Notably, the agency stated that steel girders No. 6, 7, and 8 of span N1 downstream (Long Bien - inner city direction) are warped, rusted, and have worn cross-sections. At girder D3/7, the connecting bars and plates of the main girder have rusted and worn cross-sections, posing a serious danger and affecting the girder structure, with the risk of collapse at any time.

It took 11 months to renovate.

According to Mr. Nguyen Phi Thuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport, France has committed to providing 700,000 euros to implement a project to survey and assess the current condition of Long Bien Bridge and its potential for renovation.

As the agency permanently assigned to carry out this task, the Hanoi Department of Transport has officially submitted the project to the Hanoi People's Committee for consideration and approval. Once the project is approved, the financial support will take effect.

According to Mr. Thuong, the project consists of three parts. The first part involves surveying and assessing the current condition of the Long Bien Bridge. The second part recommends details and items that need repair in the short term. Finally, it covers management and operation after the bridge is no longer in service with the national railway and is handed over to Hanoi City.

"The implementation period is in 2024-2025, approximately 11 months for the three components. Authorities will study solutions to restore the bridge to meet safety requirements while not hindering the long-term project of converting the bridge's intended use."

"The Long Bien Bridge will also be renovated and upgraded in the surrounding area, especially the elevated section connecting Long Bien District and the city center; the areas leading to and from the two bridge piers connecting Hoan Kiem District and Long Bien District will also be renovated and beautified," Mr. Thuong informed.

Consider many factors when upgrading.

A bridge and road expert stated that the Long Bien Bridge is an important historical and cultural symbol of Hanoi. Repairing and preserving the bridge requires careful consideration of many factors to achieve long-term effectiveness while maintaining its heritage value.

"Before undertaking any major repairs to the Long Bien Bridge, a comprehensive assessment of the bridge's current condition and the extent of damage is necessary. In particular, it's crucial to study the original documents and designs to understand the structural elements and initial design," this official stated, adding that repairs should aim to preserve the original architectural elements rather than completely replacing them. When replacements are necessary, compatible materials should be used to maintain the bridge's aesthetic appeal and historical value.

The expert also suggested that, in the long term, it might be possible to study turning Long Bien Bridge into a tourist attraction, organizing cultural and artistic activities on the bridge to generate revenue for maintenance and upkeep.

Previously, the Vietnam Railway Authority reported to the Ministry of Transport , proposing a project to renovate and repair the Long Bien Bridge (Hanoi - Dong Dang railway line). Accordingly, the bridge will be reinforced with the main truss system, the bridge deck girder system, and the lower longitudinal connection system for the French girder system; rust prevention will be applied to the upper surface of the plating and the contact points with the bottom of the sleepers on the T66 span for the T66 girder system. In addition, some components in the supporting structure and auxiliary steel piers that have rusted will be replaced; and the steel pile system at the auxiliary piers on the bridge will be reinforced, repaired, and rust-prevented.

The Long Bien Bridge was built in 1899 and completed in 1902. Between 1995 and 2010, the bridge underwent reinforcement and repair with a total investment of 116 billion VND, followed by a comprehensive renovation in 2015 with a total investment of nearly 300 billion VND.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/dai-tu-cau-long-bien-can-can-nhac-gi-192241205222435318.htm