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According to a reporter’s observations on April 23, the Rạch Dơi Bridge on Le Văn Lương Road in Hiệp Phước Commune (Ho Chi Minh City) is deteriorating after more than half a century of use. Despite the condition of the bridge, vehicles continue to pass daily, raising concerns about traffic safety.
Rạch Dơi Bridge is located on Le Văn Lương Road in Hiệp Phước Commune, connecting Hiệp Phước Commune in Ho Chi Minh City to Cần Giuộc District in Tây Ninh Province.
After more than half a century of operation, many parts of the bridge have visibly deteriorated. Observations indicate that the bridge’s iron piers have heavy rust, with some areas showing holes. The deck is narrow, and in many places the surface is flaking, which affects traffic flow.
Even in its aged condition, the bridge still carries a large daily traffic volume, including motorcycles, cars, and small trucks transporting goods between Ho Chi Minh City and nearby localities. Each time a vehicle crosses, the structure shakes noticeably, and motorbike riders can clearly feel the swaying.
In addition, the area beneath the bridge has become an informal waste dump, contributing to environmental pollution and detracting from the local appearance.
Residents in the surrounding area have long hoped that a new bridge would be built to improve travel convenience and safety, particularly on the route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Tây Ninh.
Previously, the project to build a new Rạch Dơi Bridge was approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council in 2016, with total investment of about 781 billion dong.
Under the design, the new bridge would be about 452 meters long and 15 meters wide. The approach road would be about 300 meters long and 29 meters wide. Estimated compensation for land clearance was about 265 billion dong on the Ho Chi Minh City side and 85 billion dong on the Tây Ninh side.
However, the project was later halted and has not been implemented to date. At the end of 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Transport Infrastructure Project Management Board stated that the target was to start in 2026 and complete in 2028, but the project has yet to be implemented.
Many transport experts say early investment in constructing the new Rạch Dơi Bridge is necessary to replace the aging structure, ensure traffic safety, and strengthen connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and Tây Ninh—supporting economic and social development in the region.
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