The Hoan Kiem District People's Committee is currently preparing a detailed 1/500 urban design project for the Phung Hung street archway area. This initiative aims to renovate and redesign the urban space, preserve heritage values, and promote the area's distinct cultural, commercial, and service spaces.

The project scope covers approximately 10 ha, with a land area of 8,77 ha and a total archway length of 1,716 km. These stone archways, situated between the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, were constructed in the early 20th century, creating a unique architectural and historical landmark for Hanoi.

Railway archway on Phung Hung street, Hoan Kiem ward. Photo: The Bang

Based on a current assessment, the Phung Hung railway archway street is divided into 5 segments: segment E: from Long Bien Station to Nguyen Thiep street; segment D: from Nguyen Thiep street to Hang Giay street; segment C: from Hang Giay street to Hang Cot street; segment B: from Hang Cot street to Le Van Linh street; segment A: from Le Van Linh street to Cua Dong street; and segment A1: from Cua Dong street to the Tran Phu - Ngo Tram intersection.

The consulting unit has proposed specific development directions for each area: from Cua Dong to Le Van Linh street, the focus will be on developing handicraft spaces. The segment from Le Van Linh street to Hang Cot street will foster community cultural and artistic spaces. The area from Hang Cot street to Hang Giay street is planned for culinary development. The section from Gam Cau street to Nguyen Thiep street will become a traditional market. Finally, the segment from Nguyen Thiep street to Long Bien Station is designated as a public park, integrating the preservation of Long Bien Station.

From 1900 to 1902, the French constructed the elevated railway line leading from Long Bien bridge to Hanoi station. This railway runs along Phung Hung street, supported by 131 solid blue stone archways, creating a distinctive architectural landscape that endures to this day.

Currently, 6 archways are used for traffic, 97 are sealed with two layers of wall, 21 are sealed with four layers of wall, and 7 original archways remain under the Long Bien Station area.

Vo Hai