A bridge of solidarity between the military and the people.

The collapse of the Phong Chau bridge over the Red River more than a year ago severed a vital transportation route on National Highway 32C, causing significant hardship for local residents. On the night of September 9th, officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 (Engineering Corps) urgently marched to the assembly point, preparing the necessary equipment and machinery to construct the Phong Chau pontoon bridge. After more than 20 days of deployment, on September 30th, the first vehicles safely crossed the bridge, restoring traffic. This bridge connecting the two banks of the Red River not only reconnects traffic on this vital route but also leaves behind beautiful images, fostering a strong bond between the military and the people.

The Phong Chau pontoon bridge connects the two banks of the Red River.

In the early days, more than 200 officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 were present to prepare the necessary conditions, gathering machinery and equipment at both ends of the bridge. Conditions were challenging; the access road to the wharf was very narrow, the ground was weak, and the Red River flowed swiftly. However, with high determination, from the commanding officers to the young soldiers, everyone worked diligently and meticulously in every task, such as reinforcing the wharf, smoothly connecting the pontoon sections, securing each stake, and firmly anchoring the cables... The joy was overwhelming when they saw the vehicles safely crossing the bridge.

Officers and soldiers regularly inspect and maintain the pontoon bridge to ensure its safe operation.

Major Nguyen Thanh Tung, Battalion Commander of Battalion 1, Brigade 249, shared: "The installation and operation of the Phong Chau pontoon bridge is a crucial task. We always prioritize the safety of the people and ensure smooth traffic flow. For nearly a year, regardless of scorching sun or heavy rain, the officers and soldiers of our unit have diligently worked on the bridge, patiently guarding it, ready to reinforce, anchor, and handle any unexpected incidents to ensure absolute safety."

The soldiers regularly remove trash and obstacles to prevent them from affecting the safety of the pontoon bridge's operation.

The Phong Chau pontoon bridge is open from 5 AM to 9 PM daily, meeting the daily transportation needs of a large number of people on both sides of the Red River. To ensure safe operation, every day, from before dawn, soldiers are present to inspect the entire anchoring system, locks, safety fences, and regularly measure water levels and flow velocity. From 9 PM onwards, the bridge is closed to remove debris, maintain and repair bridge sections, and facilitate the passage of waterway vessels. On days when the Red River water level rises or the floodwaters are strong, the unit will close the pontoon bridge and operate military ferries to transport people across the river, ensuring smooth traffic flow. To operate the pontoon bridge, the unit maintains a force of over 100 officers and soldiers divided into shifts on both ends of the bridge, on the Phung Nguyen and Tam Nong communes.

At times when the river current is strong, military ferries are used to transport people, motorbikes, and bicycles across the river.

Soldier Chu Duy Hieu said: "We are divided into shifts on both sides of the bridge. During our shifts, depending on our duties, we regulate traffic, assist people crossing, remove trash clinging to the cables, or maintain the bridge surface. As someone who has been here since the beginning, I am very happy and excited to see the Phong Chau bridge completed, and I am very grateful for the affection the local people have shown me."

Ensuring safety on ferry journeys.

Bui Ngoc Sang, Party Secretary and Head of the former Zone 4 of Huong Non, Tam Nong Commune, shared: "Since the officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 came to live and eat with the people of Zone 4 of Huong Non to carry out their duties, we have also created the best possible conditions, providing electricity and water, and agreeing to use the zone's cultural center as a resting place for the soldiers. In addition, the local organizations, especially the Women's Association, regularly provide essential supplies for the soldiers, and the people contribute vegetables, pumpkins, bananas, and cakes... treating the soldiers like their own children."

Assisting people getting on and off the dock.

In just a few days, the new Phong Chau bridge will be inaugurated amidst the excitement and anticipation of the people. The Phong Chau pontoon bridge will have completed its "mission," and the officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 will return to their units to carry out their next tasks. However, the days of operating the pontoon bridge will leave unforgettable memories in the hearts of the officers, soldiers, and people, especially for young soldiers like Soldier Hieu, who has spent more than half of his military service time working on the Phong Chau pontoon bridge. According to the plan, on September 26th, Tam Nong commune will hold a farewell and appreciation ceremony for the officers and soldiers of Brigade 249 - Engineering Corps, who have excellently completed the task of installing and operating the pontoon bridge and assisting the people during this time. Over the past year, the Phong Chau pontoon bridge has not only been an effective and smooth transportation solution, ensuring stable living, studying, and working conditions for people on both sides of the Red River and surrounding areas, but it has also served as a bridge connecting the strong bond between the military and the people, embodying the spirit of serving the people of Uncle Ho's soldiers.

Phuong Thanh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/nhip-cau-cua-tinh-quan-dan-240016.htm