Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai on September 26 cut the ribbon to put into operation the first phase of the Vinh Tuy bridge, which is connected with the National Highway No.5 and spans over the Red (Hong) River.

The first phase of the 5.8 km bridge with a 3.7 km-river-spanning section and a cross-cut of 19.25 m was constructed at a cost of 3,600 billion VND (roughly 183.6 million USD).

In September 2009, the bridge partly opened to traffic after the construction of key parts completed, helping ease traffic jam in Chuong Duong bridge and other relating roads.

As one of the seven bridges spanning over the Red River in the master plan of the capital city by 2020, Vinh Tuy bridge has been recognised as a high-quality project to celebrate the 1,000 th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai underlined the significance of the project in boosting socio-economic development, industrialisation and modernisation in Hanoi as well as the Red River Delta region.

This is also a project marking the development of the construction sector of Vietnam in general and the capital city in particular, he said./.