Construction begins on footbridge across Saigon River

The project, expected to be completed one year after the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, is anticipated to become an architectural highlight of the Saigon River.

The new bridge will be located between the Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel. On the District 1 side, the bridge's abutment will be positioned in Bach Dang Wharf Park, about 125 meters south of Me Linh Square.

The new Saigon River footbridge will stand near the existing Ba Son Bridge. Photo by Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam

On the Thu Thiem New Urban Area side in Thu Duc City, the abutment will be situated in the riverside park near the intersection of Nguyen Thien Thanh and N14 streets.

Measuring between 6 and 11 meters wide, the bridge will span the Saigon River with a main span of 187 meters high, providing sufficient clearance for river traffic. The total investment for the project is nearly VND1 trillion (US$39.14 million), funded by Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC.

Designed to resemble a nipa palm leaf, a plant iconic to southern Vietnam, the bridge combines traditional southern Vietnamese elements with contemporary architecture. The structure features open spaces ensuring unobstructed views for pedestrians. It will include dedicated lanes for cyclists and people with disabilities, and will also accommodate emergency vehicle access, including ambulances.

According to Tran Quang Lam, Director of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Transport, the bridge's spatial steel arch design is being implemented for the first time in Vietnam and is regarded as one of the world's most unique pedestrian bridges.

An artist's impression of the footbridge. Photo by Chodai - Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam

The design consultancy, a joint venture of Chodai & Takashi Niwa Architects and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam, carefully considered factors such as wind, earthquake impacts, and potential collisions with ships to ensure both safety and aesthetic appeal.

Tran Thanh Hai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC, stated that funding the construction is a gesture of gratitude toward the city's residents, who helped transform the company from a small entity into a major brand.

He hopes the bridge will become a new symbol of HCMC, enhancing the city's appeal for residents and tourists alike.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Bui Xuan Cuong, HCMC's vice chairman, emphasized the project's significance, noting its central location and role in synchronizing the landscape with future city projects, including riverside roads, underground spaces, and passenger ports.

The city also recognized Nutifood's contribution in sponsoring the project's entire funding.

In addition to this footbridge, plans for connectivity between Thu Thiem and surrounding districts include four bridges and one tunnel.

The Saigon River Tunnel, Thu Thiem Bridge (Thu Thiem 1), and Ba Son Bridge (Thu Thiem 2) are already operational. Bridges Thu Thiem 3 (connecting District 4) and Thu Thiem 4 (connecting District 7) are still awaiting investment.