Some 738 bridges are unfit and unsafe in Vietnam

At least 738 bridges in Vietnam are in a weak condition, not fit to carry their designed loads, according to the Vietnam Road Administration (VRA).

To overcome this problem, the VRA plans to build 496 new bridges this year and seek investment for another 242, Vietnam news agency reported Monday.

The VRA's construction expenses for this year is estimated at 6.43 trillion VND (some US$349.4 million), of which 2.6 trillion VND (some US$141.3 million) will be spent on road repairs.

The administration has asked relevant agencies to speed up construction of many bridges and directed local authorities to keep a close eye on managing and repairing the weak bridges.