HANOI - Tan Vu-Lach Huyen Bridge in Vietnam's northern Hai Phong city, the longest sea-crossing bridge in the country as well as in Southeast Asia, opened to traffic on Saturday.

Capitalized at over 11,849 billion Vietnamese dong ($524.3 million), the 5.4-km bridge is of transport significance, connecting Hai Phong's roads and expressways with other localities in the northern region, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at its inauguration ceremony in the city.

The six-lane bridge and a 10.2-km approach road, stretching from Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway to Lach Huyen international deep-water seaport under construction in Hai Phong's Cat Hai Island, shortens time needed to travel to the island to 10 minutes from the previous several hours by ferry.