Cao Lanh Bridge in Dong Thap province opens to traffic

The ceremony to open Cao Lanh Bridge

The 2-kilometre long bridge, which connects Lap Vo district and the provincial capital of Cao Lanh, costs a total of VND7.5 trillion (US$330 million), primarily funded by Australian non-refundable aid and Asian Development Bank loans.

Construction of the cable-stayed bridge commenced in October 2013 with the final segment installed in September 2017.

Located roughly 35 kilometres from My Thuan Bridge to the upper reaches of the Tien River, Cao Lanh is the third bridge to cross the Tien River and is expected to boost regional socio-economic development.

With the bridge now completed, the travel time between Ho Chi Minh and the provinces of Dong Thap, An Giang and Kien Giang will be cut by two hours in comparison to using ferry services.

At the dedication ceremony, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung said that Cao Lanh Bridge is a project of considerable significance to Dong Thap province and the Mekong Delta region in general.

He also emphasised that the bridge is an example of the effective use of Australian ODA and strong evidence of the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership.

Earlier, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung had held talks with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop./.

NDO