Temporarily close Phong Chau pontoon bridge due to rising Red River water level

At around 6:00 p.m. this afternoon, Phong Chau pontoon bridge had to temporarily stop operating due to high water levels on the Red River, making it unsafe for people and vehicles to pass through.

Phong Chau pontoon bridge must temporarily stop operating from around 6pm tonight.

It is known that the authorities have temporarily closed the road, not allowing vehicles to go down the pontoon bridge. The initial cause was determined to be due to the rising water level of the Red River, many trees and obstacles drifting and getting stuck on the pontoon bridge, causing excessive pressure on the bridge. Closing the Phong Chau pontoon bridge is necessary to ensure safety until further notice.

Phong Chau pontoon bridge was installed and anchored to serve people's travel in conditions of flow velocity of 2.2m/s or less. However, due to heavy rain, water from upstream has accumulated, causing the water level and flow velocity of the Red River to continue to rise this afternoon, making the pontoon bridge unsafe.

Phong Chau pontoon bridge was installed and completed by the army and put into use on the morning of September 30 with a closing/opening mechanism from 6am to 10pm daily according to the regulations of the authorities.

PV