Heavy-duty vehicle fleet used to launch 3,400-ton pedestrian bridge span across the Saigon river

The main steel arch and support frame of the pedestrian bridge over the Saigon river, weighing 3,400 tons, were loaded onto a barge at Dong Xuyen port on the evening of 15/10, preparing for towing to downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

The operation took place at the Dai Dung factory in Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, from 10 p.m. to early morning on 16/10. Over 100 personnel participated in the task, which was expected to be completed in about three hours.

To launch the 187 m long, over 20 m high, 3,400-ton steel arch and support frame assembly, the construction unit mobilized 30 multi-axle self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). This specialized fleet of vehicles can rotate 360 degrees, lifting and moving the entire structure from the shore to the barge.

The main span of the pedestrian bridge preparing for launch at Dong Xuyen port area, evening of 15/10. *Photo: Dang Khoa*

The Trung Nam S05 barge, approximately 109 m long, nearly 37 m wide, and with a total deadweight of over 14,000 tons, received the assembly. Once the structure was correctly positioned on the deck, the SPMT fleet's hydraulic system lowered, placing the steel arch and support frame onto 50 steel and concrete support pillars. This system helps distribute the load and maintain structural stability as the barge moves on the water.

After securing the structure, the construction unit and supervision consultant inspected the mooring system, ensuring it met technical requirements and the towing plan. The maritime authority will conduct acceptance tests, issue permits, and complete all procedures before the barge departs.

Nutifood, the project's sponsor, previously stated that the main steel arch, weighing about 1,400 tons, and the support frame, weighing 2,000 tons, had completed load testing at the factory. The results confirmed that all parameters met technical standards, making them suitable for transportation to the installation site.

According to the plan, the assembly will be towed to Bach Dang wharf on the morning of 18/10. The journey, covering nearly 67 nautical miles, equivalent to 124 km, is expected to take close to two days.

On the first day, the towing convoy will travel approximately 45 nautical miles, equivalent to 83 km, from the Dai Dung factory port along the Dinh River channel, past Vung Tau buoy number 0 and Soai Rap channel buoy number 0, then into the Soai Rap channel. The convoy is expected to anchor at buoy SR05 overnight.

The support frame for the main span structure. *Photo: Dang Khoa*

On the second day, the convoy will continue for about 21 nautical miles, equivalent to 39 km, along the Soai Rap channel and Saigon River channel to reach the construction site. There, the steel arch will be connected to the bridge sections built from both banks, with the final joining expected on 21/10.

To ensure safety during transportation and the final joining, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction announced a temporary closure of the waterway through the construction area for three days.

On 19/10, the waterway through the restricted area was closed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the barge to position and anchor the steel arch structure at the construction site. On 21 and 22/10, the waterway will continue to be closed from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day to facilitate barge rotation, lifting, positioning, and the final joining of the steel arch.

Construction of the pedestrian bridge over the Saigon river began in 3/2025, with a total investment of nearly VND 1 trillion, sponsored by Nutifood. The structure is approximately 720 m long, with a bridge deck width of 6-11 m, featuring a steel arch design resembling a nipa palm leaf.

Once operational, the bridge will connect the city center with the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, creating additional pedestrian space, sightseeing opportunities, and public activities along the Saigon River.