Repair and preservation work on the 112-year-old Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi has been begun, a state-funded project expected to cost VND300bn.
Long Bien Bridge, which opened in 1903, was at 2.4km Asia's once-longest bridge, built by French colonial architects and engineers across the Red River. It has withstood two wars and repeated bombings by the US air force during the American War.
But it is now battling nature and its rusting beams and bending spans pose a risk to users.
The Ministry of Transport has approved a two-phase plan to repair and preserve the bridge.
In the first phase, railway lines will be reinforced first so the bridge can continue services until 2020. Roadways will be upgraded in the second phase.
The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Rusted steel beams threat to safety
Some spans and railway lines are bending
Workers start repairs
Fixing deteriorating spans
Long Bien Bridge to remain open throughout repair work
Rail lines to be repaired first
New paint for Long Bien Bridge