Cat Ngan (Thanh Chuong) - urgently needs a sturdy bridge.

Thanh ChuongIt is a low-lying mountainous district. The Lam River, Giang River, Rao Gang River, Ro River, along with many streams and ravines, crisscross the terrain. In the past, it was estimated that the entire district had as many as 36 ferry crossings. River crossings and ferries are familiar images of the countryside, and have been immortalized in poetry, music, and art. However, having to cross by ferry is very inconvenient. It's bearable on sunny days. But during rainy, windy, or flood times, it's extremely difficult.

Cat Ngan is a populated area located in the northwest of the district. Cho Chua, in Phong Thinh commune, is the center of the region. Historically, Cat Ngan comprised 10 communes, and included the Ministry of Public Security's Re-education Camp No. 6, Hanh Lam Tea Factory, the Youth Volunteer Brigade No. 2, and the Rubber Company. More recently, two communes, Ngoc Lam and Thanh Son, relocated residents from the Ban Ve Hydropower Plant to the area. The population of Cat Ngan is approximately 65,000 people.

The Giang River suspension bridge, also known as the Cho Chua suspension bridge, is located at kilometer marker 105+970 on National Highway 46C and was built and put into use in 1987. The Giang River suspension bridge connects the two communes of Thanh Lien and Phong Thinh (Thanh Chuong district). Photo: Huy Thu

The old Chùa Market is the main market for the entire region. Located just over a kilometer away are two high schools: Thanh Chương 3 High School and Cát Ngạn High School. The area also features Chung Linh Pagoda and Trung Hòa Church, attracting a considerable number of people. In recent years, traffic congestion has occurred during school dismissal times and holidays. During peak hours, police officers have to be deployed to manage traffic flow…

The people of Cát Ngạn still remember: Around 6 a.m. on August 19th, 1985 (the year of the Ox), in a tragic accident, a boat sank, and 11 students from Thanh Chương 3 High School lost their lives forever. An atmosphere of mourning enveloped the village and the school.

Following this incident, the Chợ Chùa suspension bridge was closed.Giang RiverConstruction began and the bridge was inaugurated in 1987. That was also a time when roads were rough and muddy, and the main means of transportation were motorbikes and bicycles… The bridge truly connected joys, served essential needs of the people, and created important conditions for the socio-economic development of the region and the district.

Following the accident, authorities have deployed personnel to regulate traffic on the Giang River suspension bridge. An official from the Road Management Department II, Vietnam Road Administration, stated: "After the police complete their on-site investigation, we will immediately begin restoring the railings and other damaged components caused by the accident." (Photo: Huy Thu)

The demand for transportation is constantly increasing. Route 533 has been upgraded to National Highway 46C. Roads are being improved. Vehicles are becoming more numerous and modern. The old, dilapidated suspension bridge has to patiently bear the burden. The district has had to erect warning signs stating, "Weak bridge, only supports loads under 7 tons"; and assign personnel to monitor and prevent vehicles weighing over 7 tons from crossing the bridge. Only one medium-sized vehicle or two small vehicles are allowed to cross at a time, spaced 12 meters apart. Many passenger groups arriving here have to "transfer" their vehicles because buses are not allowed to cross the bridge.

To be precise, according to the lunar calendar, just 35 years (only 8 hours) apart, on the 19th day of the 8th lunar month, another tragic accident occurred: A collision between a car and a motorbike on the Chợ Chùa suspension bridge, resulting in the deaths of all 5 people! Another sad day named after the Giăng River!

One might think: On a national highway, the suspension bridge, built during the subsidy era, connects two sides of the dirt road, serving the local population. After 35 years of enduring hardship, its "historical mission" is over. The people of Cat Ngan region desperately need a sturdy bridge.

It was unanimously agreed to propose the construction of a permanent bridge to replace the suspension bridge over the Giang River in Thanh Chuong.

(Baonghean.vn) - In the meantime, before the permanent bridge is built, immediate safety measures should be implemented, such as installing lighting, reflective devices, speed limit signs, and intensifying public awareness campaigns.