The Hanoi People's Committee on May 19 officially broke ground on the Tu Lien Bridge project, and marked the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025).

According to Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh, the Tu Lien Bridge and its connecting road to the Hanoi-Thai Nguyen Expressway will provide faster access between Hanoi and the northern and northeastern regions across the Red River, including Thai Nguyen Province.

The project will also accelerate urbanization, reduce pressure on existing bridges such as Chuong Duong, Long Bien, Thang Long, and Vinh Tuy, and help ease traffic congestion in central Hanoi.

Tu Lien Bridge is seen as a key infrastructure project, connecting the future National Exhibition Center with the route from Gia Binh Airport in Bac Ninh Province to central Hanoi, supporting the capital's long-term socioeconomic development.

With a total investment of nearly VND15.5 trillion (roughly US$600 million), the bridge will feature a cable-stayed design with a 43-meter-wide deck, a 500-meter main span, and 185-meter-tall towers.

The access road on the Nghi Tam side will be 48 meters wide, while the Dong Anh side will be 60 meters wide. The project includes two major interchanges at Nghi Tam and Truong Sa streets, along with tunnels and supporting infrastructure such as lighting, landscaping, and sidewalks.

Once completed in 2027, the Tu Lien Bridge, with its striking cable arrangement on a single plane, will become a new architectural landmark of the capital.

"This is the first Red River bridge project to break ground in 2025," said Chairman Thanh.

"The city is also directing preparations for six other major bridge projects, including Hong Ha, Me So (on Ring Road 4), Thuong Cat, Ngoc Hoi (on Ring Road 3.5), Tran Hung Dao, and Van Phuc bridges."

Speaking on behalf of the consortium of contractors, Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, pledged full commitment to ensuring timely and high-quality construction.

He said that the consortium would mobilize sufficient financial, technological, and human resources, strictly adhere to labor safety and environmental standards, and apply modern technologies to enhance monitoring and execution.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his pleasure at joining the event, held as the country celebrates the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth and prepares for the 80th anniversaries of the August Revolution and National Day.

The Prime Minister said that the ceremony also followed a series of recent groundbreakings and inaugurations of major national infrastructure projects held to mark the 50th anniversary of the Southern Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).

He emphasized that this project underscores Hanoi's dynamic transformation, rapid and sustainable development, and its role as the economic engine of the nation.

The capital, rich in history and culture, is also a symbol of peace and human dignity, he said.

The Prime Minister said that traffic congestion and environmental pollution are the two pressing issues facing Hanoi, and the city must address them through well-planned, focused initiatives and appropriate resource allocation.

He stressed that the Tu Lien Bridge will not only improve connectivity within Hanoi but also serve as a key link between two major international airports: Noi Bai and the future Gia Binh Airport.

He instructed project stakeholders to ensure that construction meets both quality and timeline targets, with no cost overruns and no corruption or misconduct.

Hanoi authorities must act decisively, especially in site clearance and land acquisition, ensuring the interests of residents, the state, and investors are balanced and protected, Chinh said.

"All contractors must focus resources to speed up construction and aim to complete the project within 24 months," the Prime Minister said.

He also stressed the importance of strict quality control and the application of advanced technologies. In particular, Pacific Construction Group (China), as the EPC contractor, must collaborate with and transfer technology to Vietnamese partners.

"With this and all other projects, I urge contractors to move faster," he said. "The National Exhibition Center, initially expected to take two years, is now nearing completion in under one year thanks to Vingroup's tremendous efforts."

The Prime Minister called on the Government and relevant ministries to work closely with Hanoi to promptly resolve any issues that arise during construction.

He also expressed deep gratitude to residents affected by the project who have willingly given up their homes and land for its development, and called on continued public support in the spirit of shared benefit among the state, the people, and investors.

"This joint effort will contribute to building a richer, more civilized, and prosperous capital city, and a happier, more fulfilled life for all citizens," the Prime Minister said.