Minister of National Defense inspects construction progress of Phong Chau bridge

On the morning of March 6, General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defense, inspected the construction progress of the new Phong Chau Bridge.

Welcoming the minister and the delegation were Bui Minh Chau, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Bui Van Quang,Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; and Phan Trong Tan, member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

The new Phong Chau Bridge has a total length of over 652 meters, with the bridge structure itself spanning approximately 383 meters. The project’s starting point is on National Highway 32C in Phung Nguyen commune, Lam Thao district, and it ends in Van Xuan commune, Tam Nong district. The bridge is 20.5 meters wide, accommodating four lanes for motor vehicles. It is constructed using reinforced concrete beams and prestressed reinforced concrete. The main bridge comprises three continuous beam spans, a balanced cantilever design, reinforced concrete abutments and pillars, and a bored pile foundation. The connecting road sections at both ends of the bridge are designed to meet Level III plain road standards, with a design speed of 80 km/h. The total investment for the project exceeds VND 635 billion.

After just over two months of work, the construction unit has successfully completed 79 bored piles-10 days ahead of schedule. Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions, workers are currently pouring concrete to seal the bottom of the piers, driving dike piles, excavating for the foundations, constructing the pier bodies, and casting bridge girders.

Minister Phan Van Giang acknowledged and highly appreciated the initiative demonstrated by the project’s investor, contractor, and supervision consultant, as well as the effective coordination from Phu Tho province in implementing the bridge’s construction. He emphasized that this project is of special urgency and importance, as it aims to repair storm and flood damage, enhance the regional transport network, support socio-economic development, and strengthen national defense and security.

To ensure timely completion, the minister directed the investor, contractor, and supervision consultant to continue close coordination with relevant agencies from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Construction, and local authorities. He instructed them to implement a round-the-clock construction schedule with multiple shifts and ensure that completed sections meet high aesthetic and quality standards. He also stressed the importance of a scientifically planned, detailed construction strategy that prioritizes safety for both laborers and inland waterway traffic.

The project management board and contractors were urged to strictly comply with state regulations on project management, maintain quality control over design documents, and rigorously inspect construction materials to meet technical requirements.

The minister called for strengthened site inspection and supervision to accelerate the implementation of contracted work packages. He affirmed the determination to complete the new Phong Chau Bridge by early October 2025-two months ahead of the original schedule. This expedited completion will help meet public transportation needs and serve as a milestone to commemorate the upcoming Congress of the Party Committee of the Army.

Thai Lam