HCMC – The Phong Chau pontoon bridge across the Red River was temporarily closed on October 1 due to rising water levels, local authorities in Phu Tho Province reported.
The bridge, connecting Tam Nong District with Lam Thao District, was closed at 6 p.m. after water levels exceeded safety limits, posing a risk to vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic has been redirected, and residents have been advised to use alternative routes. The bridge, designed to operate safely with flow speeds up to 2.2 meters per second, was shut down due to heavy upstream rain that caused water levels and flow speeds to surpass operational limits.
Installed on September 29, the pontoon bridge is located 400 meters downstream of the collapsed Phong Chau Bridge and operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
It accommodates rudimentary vehicles, motorcycles, and three-wheeled motorbikes in both directions. The bridge is closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to allow vessels to pass.
On the same day, the Government Office issued a directive conveying Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha’s approval for the reconstruction of the collapsed Phong Chau bridge on National Highway 32C, connecting Tam Nong District with Lam Thao District.
The Ministry of Transport has been tasked with overseeing the project, which is expected to be completed by 2025.
