This morning (March 29), the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River connecting District 1 and Thu Duc City. The project is sponsored by Nutifood Nutrition Food Joint Stock Company with a total investment of approximately 1,000 billion VND.

The project was launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

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Location of the pedestrian bridge construction site across the Saigon River. Photo: Nguyen Hue

Mr. Tran Quang Lam, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works, said that the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River has a unique architectural design in the shape of a water coconut leaf - a familiar cultural symbol of the Southern region of Vietnam.

The bridge's starting point on the District 1 side is in the Bach Dang Wharf Park area (approximately 125m south of Me Linh Square), while the other end on the Thu Duc City side is in the riverside park area of ​​the Thu Thiem New Urban Area (at the intersection of Nguyen Thien Thanh and N14 roads).

The bridge has a total length of approximately 720m, with a cross-section of 6-11m; it spans the Saigon River with a 187m span and a navigable clearance of 10m. The bridge features a space-frame steel arch structure, the first of its kind in Vietnam, and is one of the most unique and impressive pedestrian bridges in the world .

During the implementation process, the design consulting unit and Japanese experts meticulously calculated and designed the project, taking into account the effects of wind, earthquakes, and ship collisions. They also conducted wind tunnel experiments abroad to ensure the absolute safety of the structure, as well as meeting exceptionally high aesthetic requirements.

The unique design of the pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River. Photo: Joint venture of Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam.

A representative of the project's sponsor stated that the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is a gesture of gratitude and dedication from Nutifood to the people of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the people of the whole country in general.

"With the desire to make the bridge a reality soon, we have been working diligently with partners and authorities to shorten the preparation time while still ensuring quality and safety. To date, the project is ready to commence construction one month earlier than planned," said a representative of the investor.

The investors are committed to ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards and completing the project on schedule.

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Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the pedestrian bridge project across the Saigon River. Photo: TK.

At the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong stated that the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026, promising to become an architectural icon and a highlight in the city's urban landscape.

Mr. Cuong emphasized that the pedestrian bridge project is located in a special position in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and requires very high standards in terms of aesthetics, engineering, and construction organization. Therefore, he requested the Department of Transport and Public Works and related units to coordinate closely with the sponsor, contractors, and construction units to ensure the project is completed on schedule while maintaining quality, safety, aesthetics, and environmental protection.

"In the not-too-distant future, the pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River will not only serve public transportation but also become a space for community connection, an iconic landmark of the city. It will be an attractive destination for residents and tourists to experience the beauty of the city," the Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee expressed his hope.

Ho Chi Minh City sets start date for pedestrian bridge across Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh City sets start date for pedestrian bridge across Saigon River.

The leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee have agreed on the principle of commencing construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River connecting District 1 with Thu Duc City on March 29th, with an investment cost of approximately 1,000 billion VND.
The pedestrian bridge shaped like a water coconut leaf across the Saigon River is expected to begin construction around April 30th.

The pedestrian bridge shaped like a water coconut leaf across the Saigon River is expected to begin construction around April 30th.

The construction of a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River, a new architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, has been proposed by the sponsor to begin on April 26th.
The pedestrian bridge shaped like a coconut leaf, connecting the two banks of the Saigon River, is a key project.

The pedestrian bridge shaped like a coconut leaf, connecting the two banks of the Saigon River, is a key project.

The pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River, connecting District 1 with Thu Duc City, costing 1,000 billion VND and designed in the shape of a water coconut leaf, will be a key project for Ho Chi Minh City.