Hanoi bans vehicles from two major bridges over safety concerns following typhoon Yagi

Starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, all types of vehicles and even pedestrians were banned from crossing Long Bien, a 122-year-old bridge which served as a crucial connection between central Hanoi and its outlying districts.

The ban was imposed after the Red River’s water level surged to 9.5 meters under the bridge, the highest in 16 years and surpassing the critical threshold that prompted immediate action from authorities.

Earlier in the day, train services across the bridge were halted.

Hanoi Department of Transport on Tuesday morning also banned coaches, rental vehicles, tourism buses with more than nine seats, and trucks weighing over 0.5 tons from Chuong Duong Bridge, which connects two downtown streets Hoan Kiem and Long Bien across the Red River.

Public buses are still permitted to operate.

The transport department stated that the ban aims to ensure public safety. Following typhoon Yagi, hydropower plants have been releasing water, raising the Red River’s water levels and potentially compromising the structural integrity of bridges.

Similar safety measures have been implemented in northern provinces including Phu Tho, Yen Bai, and Tuyen Quang, where vehicles are prohibited from crossing several bridges.

On Monday, the Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho collapsed, sending several vehicles into the Red River and leaving 13 people missing. Search and rescue efforts continue on Tuesday.