The Phu Tho People's Council recently approved the investment plan, which covers Viet Tri Ward and Tien Lu and Son Dong communes.
The project will span approximately five kilometres, starting at Hai Ba Trung Road in Viet Tri Ward and ending at the IC6 interchange on Road 305C in Tien Lu Commune.
The bridge and connecting road are intended to improve access between the provincial centre and the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway, while opening up new urban development opportunities along both banks of the Lo River.
Authorities expect the project to strengthen transport links, attract investment and support urban development, trade, services and logistics.
The provincial resolution also requires an architectural design competition for the bridge. Its official name will be finalised during subsequent project stages in accordance with regulations.
Construction is scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2031.
Phu Tho Province was formed through the merger of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh provinces on July 1, 2025.
It has a population of more than four million across 148 communes and wards, with its administrative centre in the former Viet Tri City.
Repairs to Song Lo Bridge expected before Tet
Meanwhile, repairs to the damaged Song Lo Bridge in Doan Hung Commune are expected to be completed before the Lunar New Year holiday.
According to the latest contractor report submitted to the provincial Department of Construction, repairs to six bridge piers have been completed, while work continues on piers T1 and T5.
At pier T1, bored pile construction has been completed, with work under way to reinforce existing piles and widen the pier foundation.
Pier T5, located in the middle of the Lo River, requires a temporary access road to allow construction equipment to reach the site.
The repairs are scheduled for completion and handover before January 26, 2027.
Song Lo Bridge opened in March 2015. It measures nearly 518 metres long and has a load capacity of 30 tonnes. Its construction contract was valued at VND 215 billion.
In late October 2025, low river levels exposed several pile foundations and revealed damage to the bridge's piers after a decade of operation.
On November 6, 2025, Phu Tho police launched a criminal investigation into alleged violations of construction regulations causing serious consequences at the bridge.
