Bridge Damage Cuts Off Port Link in Thanh Hóa Province
Prolonged heavy rain has eroded a Bái Sim Bridge abutment and caused the approach road to subside on a route linking Nghi Sơn Port with Ho Chi Minh Road in Thanh Hóa Province, preventing vehicles from passing. The Vietnam Road Administration has ordered traffic controls, diversions and urgent repairs, with a temporary bridge or detour to be considered if needed.
On the road linking Nghi Sơn Port with Ho Chi Minh Road in Thanh Hóa Province, erosion at the abutment of Bái Sim Bridge and subsidence of its approach road have made the route impassable to vehicles. Rain has continued in the area since the evening of November 8. A preliminary report from the Thanh Hóa Department of Construction said the incident was directly affecting traffic on the road as of 9:30 a.m. on November 9.
Prolonged heavy rain has affected Bái Sim Bridge on the Nghi Sơn–Bãi Trành road in Thanh Hóa Province.（VietVance）
After the incident, the road maintenance unit installed barriers and warnings and diverted traffic at Km19+200 in the direction from Nghi Sơn to Bãi Trành and at Km30+600 in the opposite direction. The Vietnam Road Administration ordered barriers, signs and warning lights to remain in place at both ends of the bridge, with personnel on duty around the clock, and instructed authorities to direct vehicles in advance at junctions with National Highway 1 and Ho Chi Minh Road. The Thanh Hóa Department of Construction must work with local authorities and traffic police to inform the public and transport companies about detours.
The Vietnam Road Administration ordered personnel, equipment and materials to be mobilized to reinforce the bridge abutment and repair the approach roadbed. If necessary, local authorities may consider building a detour or temporary bridge, aiming to reopen at least one lane first; traffic may resume only after the road has been inspected, assessed and confirmed safe.
Forecasts indicate that heavy rain may continue until November 11. The relevant agencies must also inspect other bridges, culverts and vulnerable sections along the route, prepare emergency materials including bridge components and steel piles, and continue reporting repair progress and the expected reopening time.
Source: VietVance
