HCMC – Authorities have inaugurated a pontoon bridge across the Red River in Phu Tho Province, replacing the Phong Chau Bridge that collapsed on September 9.
The pontoon bridge is located around 400 meters downstream from 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. From 10 p.m. until 5 a.m., the bridge is off to allow vessels to pass.
Only passenger cars and pickup trucks are allowed to travel one way on the pontoon bridge, while other types of vehicles must continue their journey via Ngoc Thap Bridge.
The Phu Tho Department of Transport has proposed constructing a new bridge at the site of the collapsed one. The new bridge is planned to have four lanes for automobiles and two lanes for motorcycles and rudimentary vehicles, with a total cost of VND875 billion, funded by the central Government budget.
Phong Chau Bridge, located on National Route 32C, connected Tam Nong and Lam Thao districts in Phu Tho Province. It collapsed on the morning of September 9 due to flooding triggered by typhoon Yagi.
