Vĩnh Tuy 2 Bridge spans the Hồng (Red) River. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Wednesday attended the opening of the second-phase Vĩnh Tuy Bridge, which spans the Hồng (Red) River and connects Hà Nội's Hai Bà Trưng and Long Biên districts.

The new section of the bridge, which has a length of 3.5km and a width of 19.25m with four lanes, was built with an investment of VNĐ2.5 trillion (US$103.51 million). Its construction was finished after two years and a half, four months ahead of schedule.

The widening of the bridge is expected to help ease traffic congestion and facilitate travelling between the two banks of the Red River, meeting the rising transport demand between the capital's downtown and its northern and northeastern regions.

So far, Hà Nội has constructed eight bridges crossing the Hồng River. Under the city’s traffic planning project until 2030 with a vision to 2050, the city will build an additional 10 bridges linking the river’s banks.

The completion of the second phase has made Vĩnh Tuy the largest bridge in Hà Nội with eight lanes. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, PM Chính highlighted the significance of the second-phase Vĩnh Tuy Bridge in settling traffic congestion and completing the belt road system of the city, contributing to the local socio-economic development and paving the way for the formation of a chain of urban areas in the northern region of the capital city.

The completion of the second section has made Vĩnh Tuy the largest bridge in Hà Nội with eight lanes, he noted. The Government leader praised efforts of relevant agencies and workers in the construction despite impacts of COVID-19, ensuring good progress and quality.

Cars run on the second-phase Vĩnh Tuy Bridge on Wednesday morning. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

PM Chính underscored that infrastructure development, especially transport infrastructure, is one of the three strategic breakthroughs defined by the Party and State. He noted that many large-scale transport projects have been implemented, including those in Hà Nội.

He asked the municipal People’s Committee to quickly complete the capital city's master construction plan and submit it for approval.

The Government leader also requested ministries, sectors and localities to work together to speed up the progress of the Belt Road No.4 of the Capital Region, and start construction of Hồng Hà and Mễ Sở bridges in 2024. — VNS