The Vietnamese Ministry of Transport has started construction on Vinh Thinh bridge across the Red River to join Son Tay township with Vinh Tuong district in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. The project has a total investment capital of $137 million, including $100 million in ODA from South Korea provided by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), and $37 million from the Vietnamese government. Vinh Thinh is the main bridge of Belt Road No 5, which will connect satellite urban areas and high-tech zones. The 5.5km long, 16.5m wide reinforced concrete bridge will have four lanes and is designed for a speed limit of 80 km per hour. It is expected to be completed in three years. Once completed, Vinh Thinh bridge will connect Hanoi-Lao Cai expressway with Ho Chi Minh Highway to form an integrated transport system connecting Hanoi with the northwestern provinces of Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Yen Bai and Tuyen Quang. Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh said that the bridge will help accelerate the capital city’s socio-economic development and ease traffic congestion in urban areas. (Hanoi Moi – New Hanoi Dec 19 p1, news.gov.vn Dec 18, vovnews.vn Dec 18)
