On 28/5, the Central Road Project Management Board announced plans to repair, maintain, and repaint the steel structure of the Truong Tien bridge over the Huong river.

The contractor will repair rusted or compromised steel components and repaint the entire steel structure. This initiative aims to curb deterioration, maintain operational capacity, and extend the bridge's lifespan. The total cost for these repairs and repainting is approximately 9 billion VND, with work scheduled to begin on 1/6 and last for 150 days.

To ensure safety and facilitate construction, Hue City will prohibit all vehicles from crossing the Truong Tien bridge daily from 21h to 5h. One side of the bridge will be fully closed for equipment staging, while the remaining pedestrian walkway will remain open.

Hue City authorities advise residents and motorists traveling between the North and South banks of the Huong river during the restricted hours to use Phu Xuan bridge, Da Vien bridge, or Cho Dinh as alternative routes.

The Truong Tien bridge over the Huong river decorated for the Buddha's birthday celebration, Buddhist calendar 2570. Photo: Vo Thanh

The Hue City Department of Culture and Sports confirmed that the Truong Tien bridge's original color was silver, though it had been painted gray by the management unit for many years. Cultural experts and the Department had advocated for restoring its original hue. Following this recommendation, the investor will repaint the bridge in its silver color, as it was during the Nguyen dynasty.

In 2017, Road Management Department 2 undertook previous repairs on the Truong Tien bridge. This work included resurfacing the bridge deck and approach roads, repainting rusted steel trusses, installing blue tiles on the pedestrian walkway, and restoring 10 balconies at five bridge piers for scenic viewing. These semi-hexagonal balconies, each 7 m long and 1,25 m wide, project over the river, replicating the design from King Bao Dai's era. The total investment for those repairs was nearly 3,8 billion VND.

Authorities prohibit vehicles from crossing the Truong Tien bridge from 21h to 5h the next day during repairs. Photo: Vo Thanh

The Truong Tien bridge was constructed in 1897 during the reign of King Thanh Thai. The Resident-Superior of Annam commissioned France's Eiffel company for its construction. Completed in 1899, the bridge measures 401 m long and 6,2 m wide, featuring six semi-circular steel girder spans.

In 1937, during King Bao Dai's reign, the Truong Tien bridge saw its sidewalks widened for cyclists and pedestrians, and additional scenic balconies were added. From 1991-1995, Thang Long Bridge Company 1 renovated the bridge, but the balcony system from King Bao Dai's era was not reinstated.

Enduring historical changes, the Truong Tien bridge over the Huong river stands as one of Hue's enduring symbols.

Vo Thanh