Happy customers on Long Bien bridge
The bridge was built in 1899-1902 by the architects Daydé & Pillé of Paris, (who also built the Eiffel tower) and it opened in 1903. At 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) in length, it was, at that time, one of the longest bridges in Asia. From 1899 to 1902, more than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction.
It was heavily bombarded during Vietnam War due to its critical position. The first attack took place in 1967, and the center span of the bridge was felled by an attack by 20 USAF F-105 fighter-bombers. CIA reports noted that the severing of the bridge did not appear to have caused as much disruption as had been expected. The defence of Long Bien Bridge continues to play a large role in Hanoi’s self-image and is often extolled in poetry and song. It was rendered unusable for a year when, in May 1972, it fell victim to one of the first co-ordinated attacks using laser-guided "smart bombs".
Some parts of the original structure remain intact, while large sections have been built later to repair the holes. Only half of the bridge retains its original shape. A project with support and loan from the French government is currently in progress to restore the bridge to its original appearance.
Today only trains, mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians use the dilapidated bridge.
Happy customers on Long Bien bridge
The bridge was built in 1899-1902 by the architects Daydé & Pillé of Paris, (who also built the Eiffel tower) and it opened in 1903. At 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) in length, it was, at that time, one of the longest bridges in Asia. From 1899 to 1902, more than 3,000 Vietnamese took part in the construction.
It was heavily bombarded during Vietnam War due to its critical position. The first attack took place in 1967, and the center span of the bridge was felled by an attack by 20 USAF F-105 fighter-bombers. CIA reports noted that the severing of the bridge did not appear to have caused as much disruption as had been expected. The defence of Long Bien Bridge continues to play a large role in Hanoi’s self-image and is often extolled in poetry and song. It was rendered unusable for a year when, in May 1972, it fell victim to one of the first co-ordinated attacks using laser-guided "smart bombs".
Some parts of the original structure remain intact, while large sections have been built later to repair the holes. Only half of the bridge retains its original shape. A project with support and loan from the French government is currently in progress to restore the bridge to its original appearance.
Today only trains, mopeds, bicycles and pedestrians use the dilapidated bridge.