In early september, Hue residents and tourists strolling along the banks of the Perfume River were surprised to see the city's iconic bridge gleaming with a new silver shimmer. Under the sunlight, the steel arch spans stood out against the river, creating an appearance that felt both familiar and new.

Many believe the new silver paint makes Truong Tien Bridge appear more elegant, recalling images of the bridge seen in historical documents and artworks of old Hue.

Truong Tien Bridge after being repainted silver shimmer, as it appeared during the Nguyen Dynasty. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

According to researcher Nguyen Xuan Hoa, former director of the Thua Thien Hue Department of Culture and Information, Truong Tien Bridge's original color during the Nguyen Dynasty was silver shimmer. After a major renovation in 1995, the construction unit painted the bridge dull white, a color it has retained until today.

He stated that repainting Truong Tien Bridge with a silver shimmer during this renovation brings it closer to its historical image, creating harmony with the Perfume River landscape and surrounding heritage sites. Restoring the silver shimmer, as it was during the Nguyen Dynasty, along with the reconstruction of 10 observation balconies in the 2017 repair, helps Truong Tien Bridge reclaim its historical appearance.

Truong Tien Bridge before and after being repainted silver shimmer. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

The bridge's painting and repair began in early june. The Central Region Road Project Management Board organized the repair, maintenance, and repainting of the bridge's steel structure system. Construction took place from 9 p.m. the previous day until 5 a.m. the next day. During this period, the city prohibited vehicles and pedestrians from crossing between the north and south banks of the Perfume River, redirecting traffic to Phu Xuan, Da Vien, or Cho Dinh bridges.

After about three months, the painting and repair of Truong Tien Bridge were largely completed. The new silver shimmer paint not only changes the color but also protects the bridge's steel components from harsh weather and environmental impacts along the Perfume River.

Residents take photos of Truong Tien Bridge after its silver shimmer repaint. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

A representative from the Central Region Road Project Management Board announced that most of the Truong Tien Bridge's steel arch system has been repainted silver shimmer. Currently, the construction unit focuses on reinforcing rusted steel components and finalizing the work. The repair of Truong Tien Bridge will conclude before the rainy season.

Truong Tien Bridge was constructed in 1897 during the reign of Emperor Thanh Thai. The Kham Su Trung Ky commissioned the Eiffel company (France) for its construction. Completed in 1899, the bridge measures 401 meters long and 6,2 meters wide, consisting of six semi-circular steel arch spans.

Many Hue residents choose Truong Tien Bridge for their daily commute. *Photo: Vo Thanh*

In 1937, during Emperor Bao Dai's reign, Truong Tien Bridge's sidewalks were widened on both sides for bicycles and pedestrians, and observation balconies were added. From 1991-1995, Cau 1 Thang Long Company renovated Truong Tien Bridge, although it did not feature balconies like during emperor Bao Dai's reign.

In 2017, Road Management Department 2 restored 10 balconies at five bridge piers for tourists to enjoy the scenery. These balconies, built in a semi-hexagonal shape on both sides of the piers, are 7 meters long and 1,25 meters wide, extending over the river according to the original design from Emperor Bao Dai's era.