The Cua Dai bridge spanning the Thu Bon River, connecting Hoi An City and Duy Xuyen District, in a coastal road in the central province of Quang Nam.
This is a large estuary area where the Thu Bon River flows into the East Sea (internationally known South China Sea), dividing the two banks of the rive, namely Duy Xuyen and Hoi An.
Previously, if people wanted to across the river by road, they had to take dozens of kilometres detour along National Highway No 1. Before the Cua Dai bridge was built, local people could only cross the river by ferry boats. However, the water levels during the dry season were very shallow, sometimes were just as high as one metre, making it hard and dangerous for boats.
This hindered the exchanges between the two banks, leading to profound differences. Only a river apart, but on the one side the Hoi An City is prosperous with rapid tourism development whilst Duy Xuyen District on the other side was struggling with fishing as their main livelihood.
Construction of the Cua Dai bridge began in 2009 but it took up to seven years to be completed. The total length of the bridge project is 18.3km while the bridge section spanning Thu Bon River is 1.48km. At present, Duy Xuyen District has developed marine economy and tourism.
The location has also become one of the faourist destinations of tourists. The Cua Dai bridge was built to help ensure traffic safety and connection between two banks of the Thu Bon River, contributing to economic development in the eastern coastal area and supporting rescue and disaster prevention in Quang Nam Province.
The Cua Dai bridge connecting the Thu Bon River’s banks satisfies the needs of thousands of Quang Nam people for years./.
