Hanoi's historic Long Biên Bridge closes for two months of urgent repairs

Long Biên Bridge, a historic structure built over a century ago, will undergo major road repairs starting this week. The Hanoi Department of Construction announced the closure plan on 26 March, with work set to last nearly two months. Train services will continue as usual, but motorcycles and non-motorised vehicles will face detours. The repairs will run from 9am on 28 March until 27 May 2026. Two key sections of the bridge will be closed: the route from Bồ Đề Ward to Hoàn Kiếm Ward and the opposite stretch from Hoàn Kiếm Ward to Bồ Đề Ward. Motorcycles and other small vehicles will be redirected via Yên Phụ and Hàng Đậu streets.

Long Biên Bridge, constructed between 1898 and 1902 under French colonial rule, remains a vital rail connection for northern Vietnam. Despite its age, it handles tens of thousands of daily crossings by trains, motorbikes, and bicycles. The structure was already deemed weak and underwent emergency maintenance in 2025 due to severe deterioration. During the closure, bicycles will still be permitted to travel in both directions on Chương Dương Bridge's mixed-traffic lane. Authorities have stressed that train transport will remain unaffected throughout the repair period.

The project aims to address critical wear on one of Hanoi's oldest bridges. Road users will need to follow designated detours for nearly nine weeks. The work is scheduled to finish by late May 2026.