These bridges open up towards the future...

On its journey to becoming a new growth hub in the North, Thanh Hoa province has been mobilizing resources to build more roads and bridges, opening up towards the future...

Contractors are rushing to complete the construction of Xuan Quang Bridge. Photo: Huong Thao

For generations, the Ma Giang River, the mother river, has served as a natural boundary between Thieu Quang commune (Thieu Hoa district) on the right bank and the eastern part of Hoang Hoa district (formerly Hoang Xuan and Hoang Khanh communes, now merged into Hoang Xuan commune). Locals have informally explained it as "this side of the river, that side of the river." To cross over to Thieu Quang from the eastern part of Hoang Hoa district, both people and vehicles must precariously cross a pontoon bridge or follow the road to Thieu Thinh commune and then loop back down to Thieu Quang.

In the imagination of many, Thieu Quang is like an oasis amidst a vast expanse of rivers and waterways, where a bridge is needed wherever you go. As the last commune in Thieu Hoa district, located about 11km from the town center and 18km from Thanh Hoa city, not too far from the economic, political , and social centers of the district and province, Thieu Quang has yet to fully exploit its potential and advantages, lacking connectivity to enhance its value chain and sufficient attractiveness to attract investment...

Therefore, when Thanh Hoa province invested in building the Xuan Quang bridge connecting the two banks of the Ma River, the local government and people were all delighted and eagerly awaited it. Mr. Tran Quang Ba (Chi Cuong 1 hamlet, Thieu Quang commune), Deputy Commander of the Thieu Quang Commune Military Command, said: “Due to the unique geographical location of Thieu Quang commune, there have been difficulties and limitations in socio-economic development and the lives of the people. When the Xuan Quang bridge comes into use, connecting to the expressway at the Thieu Giang intersection, it will open up great opportunities not only for Thieu Quang but also for neighboring communes. Just considering transportation alone, if previously people in Thieu Quang wanted to travel to Hanoi, they had to go through many places, taking more than 3 hours, now the time is expected to be shortened to about 2 hours. Improved transportation will facilitate trade, create conditions for the development of various industries, and raise the living standards of the people.”

The Xuan Quang Bridge over the Ma River is a component of the project connecting National Highway 1A with National Highway 45 from Hoang Xuan commune, Hoang Hoa district to Thieu Long commune, Thieu Hoa district. This project is divided into three sub-projects. Sub-project 1 involves the construction of the Xuan Quang Bridge over the Ma River and the approach roads from Km 5+250 to Km 7+250, with a total investment of 655 billion VND (from the Thanh Hoa provincial budget), managed by the Thanh Hoa Provincial Public Transport Investment Project Management Board. The bridge is 1,042m long with 25 spans; the starting point is at Km 5+250 on the approach road to the Ma River, in Hoang Xuan commune (Hoang Hoa district); the end point is at Km 7+250 at the planned intersection, in Thieu Quang commune (Thieu Hoa district).

The project aims to connect National Highway 1A and National Highway 45 with the Eastern North-South Expressway section passing through Thanh Hoa province, creating a foundation for the formation of modern industrial zones in the area, while shortening travel time between the western districts of the province via Thieu Hoa and Yen Dinh districts and National Highway 1A. In addition, it will reduce traffic pressure on National Highway 45 and National Highway 217 towards National Highway 1A; connect Hoang Hoa and Hau Loc districts with the North-South Expressway. It will gradually complete the transportation network infrastructure according to the approved plan, serving the travel needs of the people, contributing to socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and facilitating the early formation of industrial zones in the region.

The Xuan Quang Bridge was constructed under challenging conditions, including early and heavy rains this year, high river levels, and a shortage of construction materials with rising prices. However, with the spirit of "overcoming the sun and rain," the close supervision and encouragement of the investor, and the close, effective, and responsible cooperation of the contractor, the project was completed on schedule and put into use early. Mr. Tran Khac Hung, chief supervisory consultant (Institute of Science and Technology of Transport), enthusiastically stated: “The contractor has focused on deploying multiple construction teams simultaneously, organizing night shifts with approximately 80 workers (not including machine operators and indirect staff). For example, Thanh Hoa Bridge Construction Joint Stock Company has prioritized mobilizing manpower and equipment, overcoming difficulties, and taking advantage of favorable conditions to accelerate construction progress. The unit has basically completed the assigned work volume. In general, the contractors have completed over 80% of the total project volume. The units are striving to complete the Xuan Quang bridge by the end of August and open it for technical traffic in October 2024. We confidently commit to the provincial leadership to shorten the project completion time by 3 months compared to the plan.”

Lach Truong Bridge - the longest overpass bridge in Thanh Hoa province. Photo: Huong Thao

Lạch Trường is not only the name of a region, a coastal area, or a heroic historical event in the Vietnamese people's struggle against the US during the war for national liberation. Now, Lạch Trường is also the name of the longest river crossing bridge in Thanh Hoa province. The Lạch Trường Bridge is one of the components of construction package No. 6 of the Nga Sơn - Hoằng Hóa coastal road project, with a total investment of 2,242 billion VND; it is 1,321 meters long with 30 spans, crossing the Lạch Trường River at Km18+390. The route includes three large bridges (Lạch Sung Bridge, Nam Khê Bridge, Lạch Trường Bridge) and one small bridge (Mỹ Liên Bridge). The investment project to build the coastal road section from Nga Son to Hoang Hoa is of particular importance. Upon completion, it will contribute to completing the coastal road network in Thanh Hoa province, connecting the entire coastal road from Quang Ninh to Nghe An, becoming a vital transportation artery, and creating new impetus to promote socio-economic development in Thanh Hoa and the provinces through which the road passes.

Understanding the purpose, significance, and socio-economic impact of the project, the people affected by the land clearance have shown high levels of agreement and consensus throughout the project's implementation. Mr. Pham Van Luc, Deputy Head of Project Management Department 3, Thanh Hoa Provincial Public Transport Investment Project Management Board, shared: “The Lach Truong Bridge passes through an area where people raise aquatic products. After discussions between the relevant parties, the households agreed to harvest their aquatic products early; some even willingly drained their ponds outside the clearance area to create the most favorable conditions for handing over the land for bridge construction.”

Thanh Hoa province, strategically located at the crossroads of major transportation routes, serves as a gateway connecting key economic regions in Northern and Central Vietnam, as well as provinces in Northern Laos. To capitalize on its potential and advantages, Thanh Hoa province has identified the development of transportation infrastructure as a crucial task, focusing on strengthening connections between the province's dynamic economic zones. This aims to create favorable conditions for attracting investment, promoting regional linkages, and opening up new development opportunities. In particular, the construction of bridges is an effective solution, not only significant for transportation but also creating architectural landmarks with unique historical, cultural, economic, and social values.

The stories of the bridges in Thanh Hoa province are endless. Just between 2020 and 2024, Thanh Hoa has 55 bridges under construction or already completed. Each bridge holds its own unique story and mission. To maximize the potential and advantages of these bridges, and to develop transportation infrastructure, Thanh Hoa province needs to continue improving the effectiveness of construction quality management and supervision, as well as post-investment management and operation. It is crucial to effectively maintain and repair these bridges to ensure their functionality, durability, and environmental aesthetics. Furthermore, it is necessary to review, adjust, supplement, and develop new transportation plans in a synchronized manner, ensuring connectivity within the region and with other regions outside the province. Maximize support from the central government, combined with provincial capital, to invest in transportation infrastructure in general, and bridges in particular, focusing on key projects. Prioritize investment in important projects to create breakthroughs and have a ripple effect. Review bridges that were built a long time ago and no longer meet the transportation needs of the people or ensure safety on provincial and national roads. At the same time, report to the competent authorities to decide on the investment in building new bridges, creating highlights in the socio-economic development, history, and culture of Thanh Hoa province.

Thuy Duong - Huong Thao

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-cay-cau-mo-huong-toi-tuong-lai-219960.htm