The Thăng Long Bridge's surface is covered in a new layer of ultra-high performance concrete and another layer of polymer concrete. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — The Thăng Long Bridge, one of the first bridges connecting the two banks of the Red River in Hà Nội, is expected to be in use again on January 8 after months of being closed for repairs.

According to the Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam (DRVN), the repair work is being sped up.

The final stage of covering the new layer of ultra-high performance concrete and then another layer of polymer concrete on the bridge surface has been completed by contractors.

Other work will be soon completed to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Transport.

Nguyễn Trung Sỹ from the DRVN said the polymer concrete layer is 4-8cm thick.

The polymer concrete layer can last for 5-10 years and be maintained for further usage, Sỹ said.

The repair project, which started on August 16, has a total investment of VNĐ270 billion (US$11.73 million).

Hà Nội’s Thăng Long Bridge was put into use in 1985. Over the past 20 years, despite several upgrades, the bridge has deteriorated.

Cracks and potholes on the surface of the bridge have consistently appeared. 

The bridge’s surface underwent two major repairs in 2009 and from 2012 to 2014, according to the DRVN.

However, the bridge became badly damaged again.

Thăng Long Bridge has a total length of 1.6km and spans the Red River, connecting Hà Nội’s downtown with Nội Bài International Airport and northern provinces with the capital city. — VNS