On 10/12, the City Traffic Construction Investment Project Management Board announced that it sent a proposal on investment policy to the Hue City People's Committee. The project will commence from the Truong Gia Mo - Le Duc Anh extended intersection in Vy Da ward and conclude at the planned Nguyen Binh Khiem - Ho Quy Ly intersection in Phu Xuan ward.

The total length of the bridge and road system will be approximately 1,8 kilometers. This includes two bridges spanning Con Hen, measuring about 400 meters, and a 190-meter road segment on the islet. The bridges will feature a cross-section width of 26 meters. The project encompasses sidewalks, greenery, lighting, drainage, and a comprehensive traffic safety system, with implementation expected over four years.

Con Hen was once designated as a high-end tourism zone, with initial plans to relocate over 1,000 households. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

Given its location within the scenic Huong river landscape and its connection to the Con Hen tourist service area, the board has proposed an architectural design competition to select the most optimal plan.

The current infrastructure on Con Hen is severely limited, with only one existing bridge, Phu Luu, which is 3,28 meters wide and has a load capacity of 5,5 tons. This bridge is now degraded. The construction of the two new bridges will not only replace the old structure but also serve to develop urban space and enhance connectivity with ring roads and the planned traffic network.

Con Hen itself holds significant cultural and historical value, being home to over 1,000 households for generations and recognized as the origin of Hue's signature clam rice and noodles. Though it was once planned as a high-end tourist area in 1998, the project was halted due to substantial land clearance costs, leaving the area in a state of "suspended planning" for many years.

In 2022, the province agreed to retain the residential area, upgrade infrastructure, and develop a suitable portion of upstream land. This decision included a strategic plan to enhance the transportation system, encompassing roads, bike paths, and connecting bridges across the river banks.

The Huong river is currently spanned by eight bridges: Tuan, Nguyen Hoang, Da Vien, Bach Ho, Phu Xuan, Truong Tien, Cho Dinh, and Thao Long. Nguyen Hoang bridge is the newest addition to this network.

Vo Thanh