Pedestrian bridge over Saigon river expected to open during Tet

The water coconut leaf-shaped pedestrian bridge connecting Bach Dang wharf with Thu Thiem is approximately 90% complete and is expected to be put into use during the Lunar New Year 2027.

The pedestrian bridge spanning the Saigon river is nearing completion, with its main steel arch recently arriving at the construction site. This significant infrastructure project is anticipated to open to the public during the Lunar New Year 2027, offering a new connection between the city center and the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

On the afternoon of 19/10, Nguyen Huu Hoang, project director at Nutifood Company, the project's financial sponsor, announced that the structure is expected to be joined on 21/10. Following this crucial step, the contractor will focus on completing the bridge deck, railings, architectural elements, lighting, and installing escalators and elevators for the bridge's operation.

Construction of the pedestrian bridge began in 3/2025, with a total investment of nearly VND 1,000 billion. The structure is approximately 720 m long, with a deck width of 6-11 m. Its main steel span is distinctively shaped like a water coconut leaf, an image familiar to Vietnam's Southern region.

The bridge is designed with unobstructed views, serving pedestrians, and includes a dedicated lane for bicycles and access suitable for people with disabilities. In emergencies, the structure also allows ambulance traffic.

This will be the first pedestrian bridge spanning the Saigon river. Once operational, the structure will create an additional direct pathway between the city center and the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, while also expanding riverside public space for residents and tourists.

The main steel arch span of the pedestrian bridge arrived at Bach Dang wharf on the afternoon of 19/10. *Quynh Tran*

On the same day, the barge carrying the main steel arch span arrived at the construction site at Bach Dang wharf, after a 124 km journey from Vung Tau. The assembly is currently anchored on the Thu Thiem bank, preparing to be moved into position for installation, connecting the two sides of the river.

The steel arch was assembled at the Dai Dung factory in Dong Xuyen Industrial Park, formerly part of Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The structure, approximately 187 m long and weighing 1,400 tons, along with its 2,000-ton support frame, was loaded onto a specialized barge before beginning its journey to the center of TP HCM on the morning of 18/10.

The tugboat convoy traveled from the Vung Tau sea into the Soai Rap, Nha Be, and Saigon rivers. The large size and weight of the assembly necessitated careful calculations regarding water levels, maneuvering space, and turning capabilities when navigating bends, areas with complex currents, and heavy boat traffic.

Previously, sections of the Thu Thiem tunnel were also towed to this area for installation beneath the riverbed. Each section was 93 m long, 33 m wide, 9 m high, and weighed 27,000 tons. The main span of the pedestrian bridge is lighter but approximately twice the length of each tunnel section.