Ho Chi Minh City starts construction of two trillion-dollar bridges across Saigon River in 2025

HCMC – The pedestrian bridge and Thu Thiem 4 bridge across the Saigon River will start construction in 2025, helping to increase connectivity between the Thu Thiem New Urban Area and the surrounding area.

Pedestrian bridge across Saigon River The pedestrian bridge project across Saigon River, connecting District 1 and Thu Thiem New Urban Area (Thu Duc City) has just been approved by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City in principle for investment. On the District 1 side, the bridge starts at wharf No. 2 of Bach Dang Wharf Park, while on the Thu Duc City side, it will be located at the riverside park in Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

Location of pedestrian bridge construction. Photo: Anh Tu

The pedestrian bridge has a total length of about 261m, with a main span of 187m long cable-stayed arch, steel girders and cross-sections varying from 7 to 11m. The clearance (distance from the highest water level to the bridge floor) is 10m. On the District 1 side, the approach bridge and ramp are about 285m long and 6m wide. On the Thu Duc City side, there will be two approach branches 290m and 165m long.

The pedestrian bridge has an architectural design in the shape of a water coconut leaf. Photo: Consulting joint venture

The bridge will have a dedicated bicycle lane, which can also be used for ambulances with a maximum load of 3 tons, and a pedestrian lane. Two lanes adjacent to the railing will be for visitors to sightsee, take photos, and rest. Between the bicycle lane and the pedestrian lane is a soft median strip that can be easily removed to change its function to serve community events.

The pedestrian bridge will have lanes for bicycles and pedestrians. Photo: Consulting consortium

The bridge is equipped with a modern lighting system, roof, drainage system and other utility structures, helping to ensure safety and convenience for users. The pedestrian bridge project across the Saigon River has a total investment of about 1,000 billion VND, the entire cost will be sponsored by an enterprise. According to the plan, the bridge will start construction in 2025 and be completed and put into use in 2027. Thu Thiem 4 Bridge The Thu Thiem 4 bridge project across the Saigon River, connecting Thu Thiem New Urban Area (Thu Duc City) with District 7, is expected to start construction on April 30, 2025 and be completed in 2028. Thu Thiem 4 Bridge has a total length of 2.16km, of which the main bridge is more than 1.6km long with 6 lanes. The starting point of the bridge is at the intersection of Tan Thuan 2 Bridge - Nguyen Van Linh (District 7), the end point is at the intersection of the North-South axis and Bui Thien Ngo Street in Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

Construction site of Thu Thiem 4 bridge. Photo: Anh Tu

When completed, Thu Thiem 4 Bridge will help shorten travel time between Thu Duc City and southern districts such as District 7, District 8, Nha Be and Binh Chanh. The bridge will also help reduce pressure on Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Huynh Tan Phat - Nguyen Van Linh streets. The construction of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge is facing major problems with clearance. There are currently 5 options being studied, including: fixed clearance of 10m, 15m, 45m; building an underpass; or a flexible main span from 15m-45m to allow large ships to pass.

A design for Thu Thiem 4 Bridge that can increase clearance when large ships pass through. Photo: Portcoast

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport proposed a bridge clearance of 15m and could be raised to 45m when needed, with an investment capital of more than VND 6,000 billion. However, in August 2024, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee consulted the Ministry of Transport and planned to choose a fixed clearance of 15m, with no lifting or lowering solution. However, after Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Phan Van Mai worked with relevant parties, the city agreed to develop Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port into an international passenger port, requiring a review of the clearance plan. The Department of Transport has requested the Department of Planning and Architecture to update the planning of this port in the dossier adjusting the general planning of Ho Chi Minh City to determine the appropriate clearance for Thu Thiem 4 bridge.

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/xa-hoi/tphcm-khoi-cong-2-cau-nghin-ti-bac-qua-song-sai-gon-nam-2025-1410317.ldo