The Ngũ Hiệp Bridge in Tiền Giang Province’s Cai Lậy District opened to traffic in September replacing the old ferry. — Photo baoapbac.vn

TIỀN GIANG — The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Tiền Giang has spent more than VNĐ2 trillion (US$86.3 million) on transport infrastructure this year, stimulating socio-economic development.

Trần Văn Bon, director of its Department of Transport, said the province has carried out 373 traffic works this year, 354 of them associated with creating new-style rural areas.

The development is aimed at narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas and enabling distribution and fostering consumption of local agricultural products, he said.

Of the total spending, more than VNĐ520 billion ($22.4 million) went towards four key projects: Bình Xuân Bridge in Gò Công Town, Ngũ Hiệp Bridge in Cai Lậy District, Vàm Trà Lọt Bridge in Cái Bè District, and Long Hưng Bridge in Châu Thành District.

They were all completed by mid-October, nearly a month ahead of schedule.

The 285m Ngũ Hiệp Bridge over the Năm Thôn River opened to traffic in September and connects Ngũ Hiệp islet with Long Trung Commune.

Its construction had begun in March and cost VNĐ170 billion ($7.3 million).

One of the province’s key fruit-growing areas, the area’s high-value specialities includes durian, mangosteen, rambutan and jackfruit.

The bridge replaces the ferry that had been used for many years, and makes goods transport more convenient.

Bon said key traffic works also help concretise the province’s policy to modernise its transport infrastructure, boost inter-regional trade and co-operation with other southern provinces and cities, reduces cost and time required for transport of passengers and goods, and generally improves its competitiveness. — VNS