An overall look of the repainted bridge. VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

QUANG TRI (VNS) — The Quang Tri-based historical Hien Luong Bridge, serving as the border link between North and South Viet Nam in 1954-1964, has been repainted in dual colours characteristic of the period.

Since the Reunification Day in 1975, the paint on the bridge's steel frame has faded, leaving a grey rusty look.

The bridge has been recently repainted in blue, on the northern part, and in yellow, on the southern part. The repainting has been done based on historical documents and witnesses, according to the managers of the historical bridge.

They believe that the repainting is a way of showing respect to history and to educate the young generation.

During a ceremony to celebrate the Reunification Day in Quang Tri on April 30, the bridge has been recognised as a national unique heritage.

The bridge, which runs over the Ben Hai River, was the border separator between North and South Viet Nam after the signing of the Geneva Convention in 1954. At that time, each part was 89m long. The northern surface has 450 wooden plates, while the southern surface has 444 plates in the same size.

Presently, the bridge is no longer a means of commuting. It receives about 20,000 visitors every year. — VNS