Pa Phông suspension bridge in Tủa Thàng commune, Điện Biên province, put into service in 2018, has served local residents well for over six years, facilitating safe travel and boosting economic development. Yet today, many parts of the bridge show signs of deterioration and require maintenance.

The bridge’s suspension cables have peeled due to long-term neglect. The railings and deck show deterioration, with peeling paint compromising aesthetics and safety. Harsh weather and heavy daily use could worsen these issues if maintenance is delayed, directly affecting residents’ mobility.

Sằn Văn Đoàn from Tủa Thàng commune said: “Pa Phông bridge hasn’t been maintained or repaired for a long time, even though it is a key route for transporting goods and connecting communities. The local government has requested the Department of Construction to send specialists to inspect, maintain, and service the bridge promptly.”

Repairing and upgrading Pa Phông bridge will not only improve traffic safety but also enhance the local landscape, meeting residents’ legitimate expectations. Over the years, rural suspension bridges have been vital for transportation, production, and daily life. However, many bridges over ten years old are now deteriorating, requiring regular upkeep to ensure safety.

Na Có suspension bridge in Sam Mứn commune, built in 2011 across the Nậm Rốm river, was repaired in 2024 with updates to the main cables, deck, and anchors. Post-repair, the bridge meets safety standards, reassuring local residents. Still, regular maintenance remains essential to prevent risks, as highlighted by the Pa Xa Lào suspension bridge incident in Thanh Yên commune in July 2025.

Phạm Thiết Chùy, Chairman of Sam Mứn commune, noted: “In this rugged terrain, natural disasters like floods and storms can strike unexpectedly. Without timely maintenance, bridges face a high risk of accidents, directly endangering lives and property. Regular inspections and upkeep are essential.”

Currently, many older bridges in the province show signs of deterioration, posing safety risks. According to the Department of Construction’s May 2025 survey, Điện Biên has 100 suspension bridges: 65 with minor damage, 7 with major damage still in use, 7 no longer needed, and 1 unsafe. In response, experts recommended repairing 28 bridges, replacing 20, and decommissioning 7.

The Department of Construction has implemented multiple measures to ensure the safety of bridges and residents, especially during the rainy season. Key measures include comprehensive inspections focusing on main structures such as towers, main cables, bearings, anchorages, turnbuckles, hangers, and connections. Damaged bridges must be repaired immediately, with maintenance including cable lubrication, anchor cleaning, proper signage, and suspension of use for unsafe bridges.

For heavily damaged or obsolete bridges, local authorities are required to install warning signs and barriers to prevent access, while proposing solutions for decommissioning, disposal, or replacement under Government Decree No.44/2024/NĐ-CP. For bridges under investment projects, local authorities must coordinate with developers to build permanent structures, eliminating weight bottlenecks and supporting socio-economic development and national security.

Authorities also emphasize the role of commune and ward governments in educating residents on safe bridge use, weight limits, and accident prevention during storms.

Recent accidents at rural suspension bridges serve as a warning about infrastructure management and maintenance. If left unaddressed, deteriorating bridges remain a hidden threat to lives and property. Therefore, relevant agencies and local governments must invest in maintenance and repairs to ensure bridge safety and meet residents’ travel, daily life, and production needs, particularly during the rainy season.