Vietnam’s tallest viaduct gets ready for traffic

The viaduct will cross two hills past a hydroelectric power station and Sa Pa’s rice terraces.

It is 612 meters long with five continuous spans, and 14 meters wide with four lanes.

Construction started in January 2021 at a cost of VND450 billion (US$19.8 million), and is now 99% complete.

The viaduct will reduce the 30-km trip from Lao Cai Town, the capital of the namesake province, to tourist town Sa Pa by 2.5 km.

Now vehicles use National Highway 4D though it has many slopes that frequently suffer from landslides.

The bridge’s surface has been covered with asphalt, and the lighting system has been completed.

Sa Pa authorities believe the bridge does not only shorten the route from Hanoi to Lao Cai, but will also become a new icon that will attract tourists to the town.

The steel railings of the bridge are decorated with lotus figures.

Mong Sen’s highest pier rises 83 meters, the highest of any viaduct in Vietnam.

Workers finishing work on the road leading to the bridge.

The bridge will be linked with a new road which is still under construction. That road will be connected with the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway running between Lao Cai and Hanoi.

Only construction workers are now allowed to use the bridge, and others have to leave their vehicles on the ramp leading to it and walk.

Visitors have started to coming to admire the viaduct and the views from it.