Vietnam’s Quang Ngai approves $84mn bridge project to replace aging Tra Khuc 1

The provincial People's Committee said Saturday that deputy chairwoman Y Ngoc signed the decision to proceed with the project, which is expected to be completed by 2027 using funds from the provincial budget.

The new bridge will be 830 meters long, including approach roads. 

It will feature a cable-stayed design with three steel rings, selected through a national architectural competition. 

The design is inspired by traditional waterwheels associated with the Tra Khuc River.

Construction will require land clearance at both ends of the bridge. 

On the southern side, part of the Song Tra Hotel and Ba To flower garden will be removed to connect the bridge to the Quang Trung–Ba Trieu–Hai Ba Trung roundabout. 

An 11.5-meter-wide underpass will be built at the intersection with Ton Duc Thang Street.

On the northern end, the bridge will be aligned 11 degrees off the current route and connect to a new roundabout intersecting with several major roads. 

The My Tra Hotel will be demolished, but a heritage banyan tree will be preserved.

The current Tra Khuc 1 Bridge, which has suffered structural damage including exposed steel and falling concrete, will be dismantled after the new bridge opens. 

Heavy vehicles have already been restricted, and the bridge has been closed during major floods.