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The Bai Chay bridge over the Cua Luc strait has been inaugurated after more than three years’ construction. This is the first prestressed concrete and single-plane cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam and, at the same time, the cable-stayed bridge in single plane also sets a world record – the longest span in the world, 435m. The new bridge is viewed as “Ha Long String Instrument” – a new wonder created by intellect and effort of human beings, which is very harmonious with the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.

Full of significance

The Bai Chay bridge is on Highway 18 linking the cultural and economic centres of Hon Gai and Bay Chay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. The bridge replaced Bai Chay Ferry, creating favourable conditions for traffic in Ha Long urban areas and links all Highway 18 – a key road of the economic triangle Hanoi – Haiphong – Quang Ninh, contributing to boosting the socio-economic development of the whole Northeastern Region of the country.

Over the Ha Long Bay – the world natural heritage site, the Bai Chay bridge has modern and beautiful architecture, further beautifying the Ha Long Bay and the tourist city of Ha Long.

“The bridge is of great significance, linking the eastern and western parts of Ha Long city, helping the people in the city in particular and in Quang Ninh province in general avoid waiting for ferry-boats for generations,” said Ho Nghia Dung, Transport Minister.

The bridge is not only significant in terms of traffic, but also set new records in the field of construction in Vietnam and in the world. With the cable stay in the single plane and the 435-metre key span, this is the first preststressed concrete single-plane cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam. At the same time, the bridge also set a world record, the longest span in terms of a cable-stayed bridge in single span.

With slim and modern architecture, the Bai Chay bridge creates new architectural characteristics, adding beauty to the Ha Long Bay. The Quang Ninh coal mine land has another mark to remember, the mark of a modern site with high fine arts, placed in a poetic setting. There is a musician who views the bridge as “Ha Long String Instrument” – a new wonder created by intellect and efforts of human beings, which is very harmonious with the natural wonder, the Ha Long Bay.

The historical mission

Now, besides the Ha Long natural heritage site, the people in the mining area of Quang Ninh has new pride in the Bai Chay Bridge. Long aspiration of the people in the coal mining area for linking the two banks of the strait with a marvelous bridge over the sea waves has now become true, marking maturity of bridge workers of Vietnam.

Bai Chay is the bridge that carries out the historical mission by putting an end to the existence of ferries along Highway 18A. From now on, all traffic vehicles from Hanoi capital city to Mong Cai town of the border province of Quang Ninh do not have to depend on ferry boats any more. This has a particularly important significance to the socio-economic development in northern provinces.

As for the Bai Chay bridge, the longest bridge on the highway, it has more special significance because the Cua Luc strait over which the bridge spans is the passage into the deep water port of Cai Lan and a shipbuilding industrial park. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure safety for ships and boats to enter the port. The bridge is 50 metres above sea level, allowing 50,000DWT ships to pass easily.

Designs of main structures such as tower columns, cables, handrails and lights were thoroughly calculated and tested aerodynamics in Japan to ensure safety for the bridge in any weather conditions in the sea area.

After the inauguration, Quang Ninh Provincial Transport Department is responsible for managing and exploiting the bridge and making a plan to employ workers of the Bai Chay ferry.

Source: Nhandan