Top 7 Major Bridges in Hanoi

Thanh Tri Bridge is the largest bridge in the Hanoi Seven Bridges project spanning the Red River, connecting the Hoang Mai district with Long Bien district. It is considered the largest bridge project in Indochina today. This bridge is a key link in the expressway network of Hanoi, providing direct access to northern provinces and ensuring smooth traffic flow for heavy-duty vehicles, free from the usual traffic jams. The total investment for the Thanh Tri Bridge project is 5.7 trillion VND (410 million USD), funded through Japanese ODA loans via the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The project is managed by the Ministry of Transport of Vietnam, with the Thang Long Project Management Unit as the executing agency. Opened for traffic in 2007, it is one of the longest and widest pre-stressed concrete bridges in Vietnam, utilizing advanced construction technologies. This is also one of the six bridges across the Red River in Hanoi's jurisdiction.

The main bridge spans 3.084 kilometers, with a total length exceeding 12,000 meters, and a width of 33.10 meters with six lanes (four expressway lanes). The speed limit is 100 km/h. The entire route includes five interchanges: at the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, Nguyen Tam Trinh street, the Lĩnh Nam dike road, Gia Lam dike road, and the Hanoi – Lang Son highway at the intersection of National Road 5 in Gia Lam.

Nhat Tan Bridge is a key infrastructure in Hanoi, and the longest cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam, stretching 9 kilometers. The impressive and modern design of Nhat Tan Bridge is a result of advanced engineering and the breakthrough application of prestressed concrete technology. It is a vital transport project connecting Tay Ho District with Dong Anh District. The main span is a cable-stayed bridge with 5 tower piers and 6 cable-stayed spans. Nhat Tan Bridge is considered a new symbol of Hanoi with its five spans symbolizing the five gates of the city. It holds significant economic, political, and social importance, reflecting the collaboration between Vietnam and Japan.

The total length of the project is 8.933 km, with the Nhat Tan Bridge itself measuring 3.755 km, a width of 33.2 meters, and designed for permanent use. The main span consists of five continuous cable-stayed piers, with a total length of 1.500 meters (the main spans being 300 meters long). The approach roads on both ends of the bridge total 5.178,8 meters in length, featuring four interchanges, three of which are grade-separated. The use of the world’s most advanced concrete technology is applied for the first time in Vietnam. This technology is the foundation for the extraordinary durability of Nhat Tan Bridge, which is designed to withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake and is expected to endure for centuries.

Dong Tru Bridge features cutting-edge technology and is the first concrete-filled steel arch bridge in Southeast Asia, designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8. This modern structure connects Dong Anh District with Long Bien District. Although it spans only 1.1 km, it crosses the Dong Tru River, situated about 4.5 to 5 km from both the Duong and Long Bien bridges. The bridge itself is 1.24 km long, with a main span of approximately 500m, a width of 55m, and 8 lanes for traffic in both directions.

Construction of Dong Tru Bridge began on September 10, 2006, and after 8 years, the bridge was completed and opened to the public on October 9, 2014. It is considered not only a significant milestone in the capital's development but also a key factor in boosting industrial zones and urban growth north of the Red River.

The bridge's 55m width supports 8 traffic lanes. In addition to the approach roads at both ends, it features 3 main spans, two of which are 80m long and the central span, crossing the river, measures 120m. This bridge is notable for utilizing the new concrete-filled steel arch technology, a first in Southeast Asia.

Built by the French in the early 20th century during their first colonial exploitation (1897-1914), Long Bien Bridge has become a historic symbol witnessing countless changes in Hanoi. Initially constructed primarily for trains, with pedestrian paths on each side for occasional use by handcarts, it wasn’t until the 1920s, when automobiles arrived in Vietnam, that the roadways were expanded.

The project to construct Long Bien Bridge was approved by Paul Doumer, the Governor-General of French Indochina, in 1897, aiming to improve infrastructure for the colonial project. In 1898, the Daydé & Pille company was selected to design and build the bridge with an allocated budget of 5,900,000 Francs, though the final cost amounted to 6,200,000 Francs. The bridge played a key role in facilitating the transportation of goods from the Red River Delta to Hai Phong and Hanoi. The bridge was officially started on September 13, 1889, on the left bank of the Red River, designed by Daydé & Pille in a cantilever style.

Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many important historical events. Notably, in 1954, it stood as a silent witness to the joyous celebration of Hanoi’s liberation, and 21 years later, it saw the reunification of Vietnam. More than just an inanimate structure, Long Bien Bridge stands as a historical witness, marking the journey of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

The first steel bridge to span the Red River, Long Bien Bridge connects Hanoi’s Long Bien and Hoan Kiem districts. It is considered a significant historical monument, having endured the turbulent times of the French and American wars.

Long Bien Bridge will remain a symbol of pride for the people of Hanoi and Vietnam. Come to Hanoi and experience this bridge, a testament to the rich history of our nation.

Chương Dương Bridge is a vital bridge connecting the eastern gateway of Hanoi with the Red River banks. For over three decades, it has witnessed historical changes in the country, becoming an integral part of Hanoi's history.

Stretching 1,230 meters with 21 spans—11 steel and 10 concrete—this bridge has 4 lanes of traffic. In the center, there are 5-meter wide service roads, while the outermost lane is designated for motorcycles, measuring 1.5 meters. Initially designed as a suspension bridge with three main spans across the river, the construction posed significant challenges. The deepest pile-driving required for the main supports in the Red River was about 60 meters, but the necessary equipment was unavailable. Additionally, the essential cable system for building the suspension bridge wasn't available either. Faced with these issues, General Dong Sy Nguyen, then Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Transport, convened a meeting and decided to switch the design from a suspension bridge to a rigid bridge.

This bridge holds the distinction of being the first large-scale project in Vietnam designed and built without foreign engineering assistance. Completed swiftly using leftover materials from the unfinished Thang Long Bridge, it connects Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District with Long Bien District. Since its completion in 1985, Chương Dương Bridge has played a crucial role in facilitating traffic and boosting the capital's economy. It has helped to establish vital trade and social links between Hanoi and the northern provinces across the Red River, transforming the eastern side of Hanoi. What was once farmland is now home to industrial zones, factories, and bustling streets. This bridge has immense historical and cultural significance and remains a symbol of resilience for Hanoi, especially as it has supported the aging Long Bien Bridge.

Thang Long Bridge is located 11 kilometers upstream from Long Bien Bridge, spanning the Red River. The bridge's preparation, design, and construction were lengthy, making it a monumental project. Completed over 11 years (1974-1985), it stands as a symbol of Vietnam-Soviet friendship. At the time of its construction, it was the largest bridge in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The construction began on November 26, 1974, and was officially opened on May 9, 1985. This bridge holds the record for the longest construction time in Hanoi's history. Initially, China was involved in the project, but by 1978, China unilaterally broke its commitment, withdrew its experts, and halted the work. Subsequently, the Soviet Union took over the project, resuming construction in June 1979, and completed it by 1985. The bridge connects Dong Anh District with Bac Tu Liem District, linking Hanoi to Noi Bai International Airport, making it an essential gateway for international visitors to Hanoi and northern Vietnam.

The bridge is designed with two levels: the upper deck is for automobile traffic, while the lower level is for railway use. The railway section of the bridge stretches over 5 kilometers, while the roadway section for vehicles extends over 3.1 kilometers. The total length of the entire bridge is approximately 10.7 kilometers, making it the longest bridge in Vietnam at the time of completion.