The bridges of Thuan Phuoc, ‘Song Han’ (Han River), ‘Rong’ (Dragon), Nguyen Van Troi, Tran Thi Ly, Tien Son, Hoa Xuan, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Le, Khue Dong and Co Co bridges spanning over rivers, along with the Hoa Cam and Hue T-junction overpasses have played an important role in Da Nang’s traffic development journey. In reality, not only do these works promote inter-regional connectivity but they also show off great economic, cultural, historical significance.

Bridges make up the urban identity and unique architecture along the both banks of the iconic Han River. Photo: PHUONG UYEN

Unique bridges- outstanding symbol of Da Nang

From the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge considered as a historical witness formed in 1965 to bridges marking an impressive progress step after Da Nang’s separation from the former Quang Nam - Da Nang Province such as Han River, Thuan Phuoc, Tran Thi Ly and Dragon, Da Nang is expected to ‘take off’ with the wish of ‘dragon flying out to the great sea’ as the unique design symbol of the Dragon Bridge.

The Han River Bridge, going beyond the framework of an ordinary construction project, is now considered to be one of the symbols of Da Nang, along with the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula and the Ba Na Hill. This bridge also attracts numerous domestic and foreign tourists owing to the fact that this is the first swing bridge designed and built by Vietnamese engineers and workers.

Moreover, the Han River Bridge is not only one of the attractive attractions but also a "highlight" of the city's socio-economic development. The bridge serves as the embodiment of the power of public consensus, the strength of the people's hearts towards the city as 30% of the construction cost, equivalent to over VND 100 billion, was contributed by the Da Nang people.

On March 29, 2000, the Han River Bridge was inaugurated as well as the time when ferries, after decades of carrying people across the Han River, completed their historic mission. Since then, the city has really changed its appearance gradually with a series of high-rise buildings, apartments, and hotels springing up on the east bank of the Han River.

The Dragon Bridge is viewed from above. Photo: XUAN SON

City of bridges getting a 25-year journey of construction and development

Since its separation from the former Quang Nam - Da Nang Province on January 1, 1997, Da Nang has owned about 20 new big and small bridges boasting their own historical and cultural characteristics, marking its 25-year outstanding journey of
development and integration.

Actually, bridges are perhaps the biggest change mark leading to the name ‘Da Nang- the city of bridges’ thanks to their contribution to the vivid and colourful picture of the city by the iconic river. Since being put into operation, the bridges have shown their importance to the city’s socio-economic development, basically meeting soaring travel and trade demands.

Apart from that, the Dragon and Tran Thi Ly bridges inaugurated on the 38^th anniversary of the Liberation Day of Da Nang (March 29, 1975 - March 29, 2013) are two of the new bridges spanning the Han River.

The Dragon Bridge is the main axis of Da Nang in the east-west direction, the shortest route connecting Da Nang International Airport with the high-class coastal tourist areas of Son Tra - Dien Ngoc, as well as plays an important role in completing the city's urban transport infrastructure strategy.

Meanwhile, Tran Thi Ly bridge creates a unique architectural highlight, connecting Hai Chau District with Son Tra and Ngu Hanh Son districts in tandem with contributing to improving traffic capacity at Da Nang’s eastern gateway.

The Tran Thi Ly Bridge shows off unique, modern architecture. Photo: XUAN SON

Architect Tran Dan, Vice President of the Da Nang Bridge and Road Science and Technology Association, acknowledged that each bridge in Da Nang, besides the function of connecting traffic, has its great meanings and values. They also are imbued with science, technology and culture.

According to architect Ho Phuoc Phuong, the Da Nang Branch Manager of Viet Nam Consultant Corporation for Industrial and Urban Construction (VCC), the formation of bridges is a breakthrough achievement Da Nang has recorded over the past time.

The construction of a series of viaducts and river crossings, in addition to carrying an important meaning in urban traffic, also aims to promote linkages between economic regions, creating a driving force for Da Nang to develop in a quick yet sustainable manner, in tandem with improving people's lives and society, opening up a large space to neighbouring localities, creating a central position for the city.

Reporting by PHUONG UYEN- Translating by T.VY