Phong Chau Bridge, located at Km18+300 on National Highway 32C in Phu Tho Province, originally connected Phung Nguyen Commune (Lam Thao District) and Van Xuan Commune (Tam Nong District). The steel-truss bridge, 375.36 meters long and comprising eight spans—including two 64-meter Bulgarian-built trusses—was inaugurated in 1995. On 9 September 2024, at 10:02 a.m., the bridge collapsed, causing significant human and property losses. Investigations confirmed that Super Typhoon Yagi triggered severe floods and altered the riverbed, resulting in the failure of Pier T7 and the collapse of two spans.
The incident caused major disruptions along National Highway 32C, heavily affecting local communities and regional socio-economic activities. Given the urgent need to restore traffic connectivity, the Government approved the application of emergency construction mechanisms to accelerate the investment and construction of a new Phong Chau Bridge. With extensive experience in complex and time-critical bridge design, TEDI was entrusted with carrying out the survey and design of the replacement structure.
Immediately upon assignment, TEDI mobilized its leadership and senior engineers to undertake rapid data collection, topographic and geotechnical investigations, and hydrological studies to develop optimal design solutions. The new Phong Chau Bridge features a modern configuration: a total length of approximately 653 m, a 20.5 m deck width, and a prestressed concrete box-girder main bridge constructed using the balanced cantilever method with a (70+120+70) m span arrangement. Foundations consist of D=1.50 m bored piles. The approach roads are designed to Class-III standards with a design speed of 80 km/h. The completed project will not only restore but significantly enhance connectivity along National Highway 32C, strengthening regional linkages and fostering socio-economic development and security in Phu Tho Province and surrounding areas.
Remarkably, TEDI completed the survey and design work within three months of the collapse, enabling the Ministry of Transport to approve the project and commence construction on 21 December 2024. Thanks to strong Government direction, the close coordination of ministries and local authorities, and the exceptional commitment of engineers and construction teams, the Trường Sơn Construction Corporation today, 27 August 2025, ceremonially announced the successful closure of the new Phong Chau Bridge.
The closure event marks a decisive milestone and sets a new benchmark for construction progress in Vietnam’s bridge engineering sector. It underscores the unwavering determination of TEDI’s engineers—always pioneering and leading the way—to deliver designs that meet stringent technical requirements and ensure seamless progress on-site.
