According to the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Investment and Construction of Traffic Works (the investor), construction is expected to begin in July and be completed by the end of 2026. The Rach Tom bridge spans the Rach Tom canal and is a key traffic structure on Le Van Luong street, connecting the southern area of Ho Chi Minh City with Tay Ninh province (formerly Long An).
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The current condition of the Rach Tom iron bridge. Photo: Giang Anh |
The project has a total length of 684 meters, including a 173-meter-long, 15-meter-wide bridge section, with the remainder being access roads. The total investment is nearly 500 billion VND from the city budget, of which over 140 billion VND is for construction, 226 billion VND for site clearance, and the rest for consulting and contingency costs.
The investor disbursed all compensation, support, and resettlement costs for the project to the former Nha Be district in 2024. To date, 83 of the 111 affected cases have agreed to receive compensation. Local authorities have handed over several sections of the site to the construction unit, with the remaining sections expected to be completed by the end of September.
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Congestion on the Rach Tom bridge due to its narrow width. Photo: Giang Anh |
The bridge project is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s plan to replace 4 iron bridges on Le Van Luong street: Rach Dia, Long Kieng, Rach Tom, and Rach Doi. These bridges, built before 1975, have seriously deteriorated and pose safety concerns. The Long Kieng and Rach Dia bridges were rebuilt and opened in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
In addition to the Rach Tom bridge, which is about to begin construction, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has approved the investment plan for the remaining Rach Doi bridge with a total capital of nearly 781 billion VND. The project is awaiting final procedures to commence, aiming to synchronize the traffic network along the route.
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Location of the Rach Tom bridge. Graphics: Hoang Thanh |
According to the investor, Le Van Luong street is a vital artery connecting the southern area of Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh province, especially with increasing travel and trade demands between the two localities. The completion of all 4 bridges will help alleviate congestion, shorten travel time, and improve the urban landscape of the area.
Giang Anh
