Completion of My Thuan Bridge Project - Vietnam

The successful completion of the My Thuan Bridge is a major symbol of the cooperation between the Governments of Vietnam and Australia in furthering Vietnam's development.

The bridge, the first across the Mekong River in Vietnam, has been a dream of the people of southern Vietnam for many years. With over 16 million people living south of the river it has always been a major barrier to progress. The opening up of access to this area will be a major economic boost. Following a request of the Government of Vietnam Australia agreed in May 1993 to consider a proposal to construct a bridge over the Mekong River at My Thuan. The detailed design that began in 1996 was followed by construction commencing in 1997.

The bridge was completed by 31 March 2000 under budget and in a record time of 33 months, 3 months sooner than planned.

The bridge is a world class structure that overcame significant technical problems such as the need for piling up to 100 meters deep.

The Australian firm of Maunsell McIntyre provided design and engineering supervision. Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering was responsible for construction of the bridge. An enviable safety record was achieved throughout the construction period with no loss of life or serious injuries being sustained.

The bridge was formally opened on 21 May 2000.