Hanoi has had to destroy some bridges costing billions of VND to build new ones, evidence of the poor quality of the city’s transport development planning.
The overpass on Lang Ha Street put into operation for just one year will be upgraded
More than three years ago, Hanoi spent VND234 billion (USD11.14 million) to build 18 pedestrian bridges at important traffic spots to ease traffic jams and accidents. However, many of these were located in unsuitable locations; remaining largely unused. Some bridges have been ever turned into a temporary dumping ground and a place for drug users.
To deal with the traffic congestion at Dai Co Viet-Tran Khat Chan junction, in early February this year, Hanoi started building a 350-metre overpass. As a result, the pedestrian bridge costing more than VND10 billion has been removed for the overpass which will cost up to VND180 billion (USD8.57 million).
Hanoi has already begun construction a new overpass with four lanes at Nguyen Chi Thanh-Lieu Giai. Therefore, a pedestrian bridge on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street could be moved another 100m from its current position.
The city will invest more than VND10 billion (USD476,190) to upgrade an overpass at Lang Ha-Thai Ha intersection to serve over 30 express bus routes although the overpass has only been operation for just a year.
Speaking with DTiNews reporter, Le Van Thinh, chief of the National Agency for Construction Work’s Quality Assessment, said, “It’s important to make savings in the context of the current economic difficulties, yet Hanoi has wasted so much money on transport infrastructure due to the lack of long-term vision.”
According to Mr. Thinh, Hanoi’s transport planning lacked an overview in terms of general socio-economic planning. He urged the municipal Department of Transport to rapidly improve the city’s transport planning.
Dr. Pham Si Liem, vice chairman of Vietnam Construction Association, said a lack of attention to detail that had led to the construction of so many unsuitable transport works.
