The bridge's navigational clearance now stands at 7 m, meeting the operational requirements for the Saigon River route through the area. All safety components have been completed, enabling the structure to operate normally. This marks the second bridge on the Saigon River to have its vertical clearance raised, following Binh Trieu 1 bridge, which was completed one month prior.

Binh Phuoc 1 bridge (right) completed its upgrade and reopened on 23/12. Photo: Giang Anh

The project began construction in 2/2025, with the lifting phase, implemented from mid-10, considered the most difficult and complex stage. The bridge, weighing approximately 9,000 tons, was uniformly raised 4-8 cm daily using 90 hydraulic jacks, each with a load capacity of 400-500 tons. A central computer system controlled the entire operation, ensuring an error margin of no more than 1 mm, while the bridge's structure was continuously monitored for vibrations to ensure safety.

Nguyen Xuan Vinh, Director of the Road Traffic Infrastructure Management Center (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction), stated that during construction, motorcycles continued to use the bridge, and waterway traffic underneath was maintained, making traffic management highly complex.

Large barges passing under Binh Phuoc 1 and 2 bridges after the upgrade on 23/12. Photo: Giang Anh

Additionally, relocating and coordinating the water supply system faced many challenges. However, the investor and related units implemented solutions to accelerate progress, completing the project on schedule.

Binh Phuoc 1 bridge is nearly 480 m long and over 11 m wide, situated on National Highway 1, connecting Thu Duc to the former District 12. Following a ship collision incident in 2022, the bridge's load capacity was restricted, affecting both road and waterway traffic. Raising the vertical clearance helps restore operations, facilitating passage for large vessels.

Route of Binh Phuoc 1 and 2 bridges. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

According to Vo Khanh Hung, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction, the completion of the Binh Phuoc 1 and Binh Trieu 1 bridge clearance elevation projects helps synchronize vertical clearance along the Saigon River, reducing road traffic pressure and easing waterway transport.

Giang Anh