Hanoi to relocate parking lots underneath bridges to ensure infrastructure safety
Hanoi strengthens transport safety by removing parking lots from under bridges after Vinh Tuy fire, aiming to prevent future risks.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi Department of Construction has asked local government agencies to review all parking areas now operating underneath bridges and overpasses by mid-month.
Many vehicles were burned down to their frames in the fire at the parking lot under Vinh Tuy Bridge. Photo: Phap Luat Ho Chi Minh City Newspaper.
This move came after a serious fire set off on August 30 at a parking lot underneath Vinh Tuy Bridge, burning down more than 500 motorbikes, damaging the concrete layer of three piers and exposing the steel structure inside these piers.
Following the incident, the department has banned 18-ton trucks from crossing the bridge. The Ministry of Construction also ordered all provincial departments to relocate parking facilities from under bridges before the October 30.
The construction department requested that the Board for Maintenance of Transport Infrastructures coordinate with the police and local authorities to tackle illegal encroachment and use of roads and sidewalks, and secure the infrastructures from blaze.
Functional forces are also required to strengthen patrols, inspections, and enforcement of fire prevention and fighting regulations, particularly against the illegal use of bridge underpasses as parking lots.
The department’s Division of Infrastructure Management was tasked to ensure the complete removal of all parking areas using road infrastructures no later than October 30.
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Government wants examination and accountability clarified for parking fire The government has called for clarification of the causes, accountability, and remedies following the fire at the parking lot under Vinh Tuy Bridge in Hanoi. In a directive sent to regulatory bodies on September 4, the government requested that the Hanoi People’s Committee review licensing and management of the parking, assess the impact on the bridge’s safety and strictly handle violations. The capital authorities must come up with quick solutions to ensure the safety, security and functionality of the bridge. Hanoi government agencies must also review all parking areas across the city, especially those arranged underneath river-crossing bridges and overpasses, to prevent similar cases. The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with investigating the cause and identifying responsible organizations and individuals. The Ministry of Construction has to coordinate with Hanoi authorities in evaluating the damages caused by the fire and submit a report to the Prime Minister before September 15. All 34 provinces and cities must review similar parking areas and address shortcomings to ensure the safety and operation of traffic infrastructures. They must submit reports to the Prime Minister by the end of September. |
