Log in
Hanoi

France wants to repair Vietnam’s century-long Long Bien Bridge

After a century of change, the bridge remains Hanoi’s iconic structure.

France expects to participate in the repair of Long Bien Bridge, the iconic work of Hanoi that was built in late 19th century by French.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery (left) and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh. Photo: Kinhtedothi

The government of France wants to make significant contribution to rehabilitating Long Bien Bridge, French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery said at a meeting with Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh.

Renovating the bridge will highlight the historic monument of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular.

Chu Ngoc Anh said restoring symbolic cultural heritages is set among the city’s long-term strategies to maintain the image of the thousand-year-old city.

At the meeting, Nicolas Warnery and Chu Ngoc Anh talked of other fields of common interest namely the speeding up of the metro line 3 Nhon-Hanoi Train Station financed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French Development Agency for the operations by end-2021, technical support on sustainable urban management covering solutions for air pollution, urban traffic, and waste.

Further cooperation

 Long Bien Bridge in stamp in the French colonialism. File photo

Long Bien Bridge, crossing the Red River, was built between 1898 and 1902 under the French colonialism.

With a rail track and two road lanes, the bridge measures 1,680m between abutments and originally comprised 19 spans, alternately 106m and 75m long, making it, at the time of construction, the longest cantilever suspension bridge in the world.

At the beginning of the 20th century Long Bien was the longest and most beautiful steel bridge in Indochina, according to the National Archive.

The bridge has a chequered history as it suffered repeated bombing and hasty repair during the the war. The bridge has undergone two refurbishments since its construction, the first in 1897 and the second in 1952. After more than hundred years, the structure is in a precarious state of repair.

 Long Bien Bridge today. Photo: Vietnaminsider
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Hanoi proposed delaying the roadmap for motorbike emissions inspections

Hanoi proposed delaying the roadmap for motorbike emissions inspections

The inspections are expected in 2027 for motorbikes manufactured before 2008.

Hanoi’s lotus cultural space highlights humanistic values of “The Tale of Kieu”

Hanoi’s lotus cultural space highlights humanistic values of “The Tale of Kieu”

The exhibition features dozens of calligraphic artworks depicting exquisite verses from The Tale of Kieu.

Hanoi urges improvements to retain top spot in governance index

Hanoi urges improvements to retain top spot in governance index

Hanoi continues to enhance the use of information technology for administrative reform, focusing on data systems that support policy and decision making.

Hanoi improves access to clean water amid summer heat

Hanoi improves access to clean water amid summer heat

Plans are put in place to ensure residents have a stable supply of clean water this summer.

Organic waste treatment plant commissioned in Hanoi

Organic waste treatment plant commissioned in Hanoi

The treatment results in no secondary emissions, such as leachate, insects, or bad smell.

Hanoi to restrict motorbikes in four central districts by 2030

Hanoi to restrict motorbikes in four central districts by 2030

The decision, rooted in 2017, signals Hanoi's firm commitment to transforming the capital into a cleaner place.

Hanoi targets using recycled construction waste in all public projects

Hanoi targets using recycled construction waste in all public projects

The city aims to collect 90% of all construction waste generated in urban areas and ensure that it is treated in accordance with environmental standards.

Hanoi to process all building permit applications online

Hanoi to process all building permit applications online

Online submissions help citizens save time while preventing corruption.