On September 13, 1889, construction officially began on a major steel bridge across the Red River in Hanoi, Vietnam. The structure later became known as Long Bien Bridge and evolved into one of the most important landmarks in the city’s urban, transport and commercial history.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held under the administration of Paul Doumer, Governor General of French Indochina. The project was intended to establish a permanent connection between Hanoi and areas on the eastern bank of the Red River, while improving access to northern Vietnam’s emerging trade and transport network. At the time, the river represented a major obstacle to the expansion of the city and the movement of people and goods.

The bridge was designed and constructed by the French engineering company Daydé & Pillé. Its main structure featured 19 steel spans supported by 20 piers. A railway track ran through the centre, while roadways and pedestrian paths were provided on both sides. The bridge’s main structure measured about 1,862 metres, making it one of the major steel bridges of its era.

Construction presented major engineering challenges because of the Red River’s changing water levels and strong currents. Deep foundations had to be built in difficult river conditions, with some foundations extending roughly 30 metres below the water level. The project was completed in 1902 and was initially named Paul Doumer Bridge after the colonial administrator who initiated the project.

Long Bien Bridge played a significant role in Hanoi’s urban development by bringing railway, road and pedestrian connectivity together across the Red River. It strengthened the city’s links with northern Vietnam and helped facilitate the movement of agricultural products, industrial goods and passengers.

The bridge later survived wars, heavy use and repeated bombing, becoming closely associated with Hanoi’s modern history. Despite its difficult past and the construction of newer bridges, Long Bien remains an important architectural and transportation landmark.

Today, Hanoi’s cultural authorities regard Long Bien Bridge as a historic witness to the capital’s development over more than a century. Its combination of engineering innovation, transport importance and architectural character has made it one of Hanoi’s most recognisable built-environment landmarks.