Maintaining river crossings became urgent for holiday travel, socio-economic growth, and regional security. Consequently, Engineering Brigade 249 of the Engineering Corps and coordinated forces rapidly deployed a pontoon bridge, restoring this vital link before spring.
Combat order in peacetime
On the afternoon of February 14 (27th day of lunar December, 2025), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting with ministries, central agencies, and Phu Tho province authorities. The Prime Minister directed immediate measures to meet public travel needs, emphasizing that bridge repairs and new construction must proceed simultaneously. To ensure uninterrupted traffic, installing a pontoon bridge was identified as an urgent priority.
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong presents gifts to representatives of the forces participating in the construction of the pontoon bridge on the morning of the 29th day of lunar December, 2025. |
Acting on this directive, the Engineering Corps tasked Engineering Brigade 249 with the mission. By 5 a.m. on February 15 (the 28th day of lunar December, 2025), the unit had deployed 160 personnel and 90 specialized vehicles to Doan Hung commune’s Dong Tam area. Senior Colonel Do Huu Tiem, the brigade’s Political Commissar, noted that many soldiers immediately cut short their Tet holiday leave to return. From commanders to subordinates, the team treated the assignment as a peacetime combat mission, prioritizing this significant political responsibility over personal affairs.
Overcoming technical challenges under time pressure
Implementing the pontoon bridge faced major hurdles. The long-abandoned ferry terminal was silted over, while both banks’ weak alluvial soil required extensive technical treatment before installation could proceed.
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The defense leader gives directives to units at the inauguration ceremony of Doan Hung pontoon bridge. |
Under tight constraints, engineers conducted hydrological surveys, identified docking points, and built approach ramps to ensure operational safety.
According to Sr. Col. Nguyen Hong Giang, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Engineering Corps, nearly 800 personnel from the Engineering Corps, Military Region 2, and the Air Defense - Air Force Service coordinated with local authorities to complete two access routes. This involved excavating 70,000 cubic meters of earth for the 75-meter left bank and 89-meter right bank approaches.
By midday on February 15, equipment had been launched for the final connection. In 90 minutes, the 60-ton PMP pontoon bridge was assembled. Stretching 220 meters with 31 spans, the bridge now connects Dong Tam and Dai Hoi in Doan Hung commune, restoring Lo River traffic.
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General Cuong meeting with locals |
Shining qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers
Doan Hung pontoon bridge officially opened on the morning of the 29th day of the last lunar month of 2025. At the ceremony, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defense, stated the bridge’s significance extends beyond transportation.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong praised participating units for their proactive coordination and extraordinary efforts. He noted that many soldiers immediately canceled holiday leave to serve, reflecting the courage and responsibility of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.” On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, he commended the engineering units, Military Region 2, the Air Defense - Air Force Service, and local authorities for their successful collaboration.
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Vehicles cross the pontoon bridge. |
Since being put into operation, Doan Hung pontoon bridge has proven highly effective. As of noon on February 22, nearly 80,000 people and vehicles have been safely crossing the bridge. Local leaders affirmed that the structure not only facilitates travel but also represents a tangible connection and a source of joy in daily life.
From an urgent order issued on the eve of the Lunar New Year to the rapid completion of a complex engineering task, the project stands as a vivid testament to troops’ responsibility, coordination, and dedication in peacetime. More than reconnecting the two banks of the Lo River, Doan Hung pontoon bridge has strengthened public confidence in the Party, the State, and the military, affirming once again the enduring spirit of service to the nation and the people.
Translated by Tran Hoai