Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

By Ngoc Thanh, Quynh Tran   February 20, 2023 | 04:00 pm PT
Locals in Hanoi and HCMC have deliberately used the spaces under bridges to open stores, shops, warehouses and to even raise animals.
Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Piles of coir stocked under the Thang Long Bridge in Dong Anh District of Hanoi on Feb. 14.

A factory in the district has been using the space to gather and process coir.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

At another section of the bridge, the space underneath has been turned into a cow farm.

Construction of the Thang Long Bridge, which crosses the Red River, began in 1974 and was completed in 1985. The bridge consists of two levels: the lower level is for trains and the upper level is for cars.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Near the end of the bridge, locals set up a pavilion and barriers to use the space inside for selling goods.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

The space under an elevated railway in Hai Boi Commune of Hanoi's Dong Anh District has for years been used as a parking lots for trucks as well as a premise for selling bonsai trees.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

A family uses a space under a railway section in the Hai Boi Commune as a store to buy and sell scrap metal.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

In Ho Chi Minh City, the space under the Binh Loi Bridge on Pham Van Dong Street in Thu Duc City has for years been a warehouse used by many people.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Various types of goods and materials are stored under the bridge.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Around 1.5 kilometers from the Binh Loi Bridge, Rach Lang Bridge on Pham Van Dong Street in HCMC's Binh Thanh District is used as a landfill.

On Feb. 2, people burned trash and the flames quickly spread to the bridge. It took firefighters almost one hour to put out the fire, but traces of the fire remain.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

The space under the Y Bridge in HCMC's District 8. Some people even use this space to set up road side shops to sell drinks to passersby.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

The lowest area under the bridge is where people keep their birds and chickens.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Vendors sell noodles under the Phu My Bridge in HCMC's District 7.

Encroachment stretched to the limit under Hanoi and HCMC bridges

Shops opened illegally under the Nam Ly Bridge on Do Xuan Hop Street in Thu Duc City, HCMC.

 
 
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