Vàm Cống bridge, Cable-stayed bridge in Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Vàm Cống is a cable-stayed bridge with six lanes across the Hau River in the southern Mekong Delta, linking Dong Thap with Can Tho. The deck rests on a central pylon and runs nearly three kilometers over the wide riverbed, while steel cables carry the entire span.
Works began in autumn 2013 and lasted five years, with funding from several sources. Before its opening, travelers and goods had to rely on ferry crossings that took far longer to move across the river.
The bridge stands at the western edge of the delta and connects rice paddies on both banks of the river, where heavily loaded trucks move daily between provinces. Its route follows a main artery for goods transport, with vehicles forming long queues during morning and evening hours.
Drivers crossing experience a straight route without sharp curves or climbs, making the crossing quick and without complications. Trucks and cars may travel up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour), so the passage takes just a few minutes.
A network of sensors constantly monitors stress and movement in the cables and pylon, detecting deviations early. Cameras and gauges record deformation, allowing engineers to track the behavior of the structure in real time.
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