Quang Tri's tallest steel arch bridge nears completion

Nhat Le 3 bridge, featuring three steel arches rising 50 m from the water to its peak, evokes the majestic natural imagery of winding rivers beneath limestone mountains.

The Nhat Le 3 bridge project, spanning over 2,8 km, includes a 561 m bridge and 2,2 km of approach roads. The Quang Tri Provincial Department of Finance is the investor for this project, which has a total investment of 1,325 billion VND. Construction began in 5/2023 and is expected to be completed before 10/2026, connecting National Highway 1 with the coastal road.

This is the third road bridge crossing the Nhat Le river in Dong Hoi ward. After nearly three years of construction, the project, including the bridge and its two approach roads, is now connected, achieving approximately 96% of its total volume, according to the investor.

The bridge features three white steel arches, weighing 2,000 tons, inspired by Quang Tri's limestone mountain ranges with winding rivers flowing beneath them.

The bridge's structure consists of five continuous steel box girder and reinforced concrete spans, measuring 40, 80, 120, 80, and 40 m, respectively. Two arch planes are connected by a horizontal bracing system. The central steel arch is supported by 18 stay cables on each side, while the two adjacent arches have 11 stay cables per side.

The central steel arch, rising approximately 50 m from the water surface and 37 m from the bridge deck, is recognized as the tallest steel arch bridge in Quang Tri province.

The pedestrian walkway on the bridge is paved with natural stone. The cross-section is 23,5 m wide, comprising four vehicle lanes totaling 14 m, a 0,5 m central median, a 2 m safety strip, and a 7 m wide sidewalk and railing section. The design speed is 60 km/h.

LED lighting systems are installed along the steel arches and stay cables. During holidays, the lighting system has been tested with various colors, reflecting onto the Nhat Le river's surface, creating a new focal point for the area's landscape.

The western approach road connecting to National Highway 1 in Quang Ninh commune has been completed. The roadbed is 23,5 m wide, featuring four lanes, service roads, a median, safety strips, sidewalks, and railings.

Approximately 300 m of the eastern approach road, specifically the section from Nguyen Thi Dinh intersection to the coastal road, is currently under construction and being finalized. This section of the roadbed is 40-55 m wide.

Taking advantage of sunny days, rollers, bulldozers, and workers are constructing the eastern approach roadbed, preparing for asphalt paving. Completing the approach roads will ensure synchronous connection of the bridge with major traffic arteries at both ends.

This rendering shows the Nhat Le 3 bridge upon completion. The project creates an additional connection axis from National Highway 1 to the coastal road, shortening travel times through the area east of the Nhat Le river. It also expands urban development, service, and tourism opportunities in eastern Quang Tri.

The Nhat Le bridge from above. Video: Dac Thanh