Many cracks have been found on the Thang Long Bridge's surface after several repairs. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of Transport has asked relevant offices tocomplete surface damage repairs of Hanoi's Thang Long Bridge by September.
The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN), the Department of Science andTechnology, and the Department of Transport Infrastructure were asked to hastenthe repairs.
The ministry requested the DRVN to select technical and technological solutionsand carry out the repairs using capital from the road maintenance fund.
During the repair, solutions to ensure traffic safety for people and vehiclesin the construction area must be taken into consideration.
The Department of Transport Infrastructure was assigned to take part inconsulting and approving the repair plan as well as monitor the progress.
The Department of Science and Technology would participate as an expert ontechnology and technical solutions to ensure quality for long-term use, saidthe ministry.
The bridge’s surface underwent two major repairs in 2009 and from 2012 to 2014,according to the DRVN.
However, the bridge became badly damaged again.
In 2009, the bridge’s entire surface was repaired with stone mastic asphalt(SMA).
After a period of use, the SMA layer became unstable leading to cracks thatallowed water to slip through and damage the bridge’s surface.
In 2012-2014, the ministry repaired the SMA surface using the US-based HallBros’paving machines using polymer asphalt and concrete but after a short time, manyfaults occurred.
According to the ministry, the bridge is managed by three units.
The Thai Ha Railway Joint Stock Company manages the bridge’s entire structure,steel platform, expansion joints of the second-floor deck, and lighting systemon the bridge.
The Department of Road No.1 (under the DRVN) manages the road surface for carsand Hanoi Transport Department takes care the surface of the roads leading toboth sides of the bridge, the road section for authorities’ duty and railingsystem.
Thang Long Bridge has a total length of 1.6km and spans the Red River,connecting the city with Noi Bai Airport./.
VNA
