The pedestrian system connecting with the elevated stations of Metro Line No.1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) is one of the final construction components of the project.
This line, the first of its kind in HCMC, features nine pedestrian bridges linking to nine elevated stations: Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, the High-Tech Park, and Vietnam National University stations.
Most bridges are constructed along Vo Nguyen Giap Boulevard - Hanoi Highway, directly connecting to the stations. Each bridge spans 80-150 meters in length, approximately 3.5 meters in width, and stands nearly 5 meters high, depending on location.
At the Thao Dien station, the bridge structure is nearly complete, with roofing fully installed.
The pedestrian bridge at Thao Dien station is designed with two branches: one extends across the Vo Nguyen Giap frontage road, and the other spans Den Bridge, leading into the park located beneath the Saigon Bridge.
Approximately 1 km from Thao Dien station is An Phu station, which has also been connected to a pedestrian bridge.
HCMC metro trains are undergoing trial runs simulating full commercial operations along the entire 19.7-km line, running daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The pedestrian bridge connecting Phuoc Long metro station has completed both its architectural and electrical systems. In this area, four entry and exit points have been constructed to facilitate passenger movement.
Beneath the station, a 1,000-square-meter parking area accommodates motorbikes, taxis, and buses. Similar parking facilities for metro passengers are also available at four other stations: Thao Dien, Binh Thai, Rach Chiec, and Van Thanh.
As one of the last pedestrian bridges to be constructed, the structure at Thu Duc station has completed its architectural work and roofing.
The stairs for the pedestrian bridge at Thu Duc station have been completed and are currently fenced off. They will only be accessible once the metro line officially begins operations.
The pedestrian bridge connecting the High-Tech Park station, located in front of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, was the first to be constructed and was completed earlier this year.
Approximately 15 kilometers from the High-Tech Park station is the Tan Cang pedestrian bridge, marking the start of the city center. Tan Cang is the largest station on the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line and features a unique architectural design compared to other elevated stations.
This station has four train lanes (while others have two) to accommodate future transfers to Line No. 5 (Saigon Bridge - Bay Hien intersection).
An artist's rendering shows the pedestrian bridge upon completion. According to the Management Authority for Urban Railways of HCMC (MAUR), which oversees all upcoming metro routes in the city, flower beds and greenery will be planted along both sides of the bridge once construction is complete. To enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly, elevators will be installed at these pedestrian bridges.
"Besides facilitating passenger movement, the bridges will also serve as emergency escape routes in case of incidents at the stations," a MAUR representative stated.
A graphic of Metro Line No.1 illustrates its route linking Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City, with all 14 stations marked. In addition to 11 elevated stations, the line will feature three underground stations, all located in District 1: Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son.
According to the investor, an independent consulting consortium will conduct a final safety assessment from Nov. 18 to 30, submitting reports to the Railway Administration for approval. The results will be reviewed by authorities to approve the project for commercial operation, expected to begin next month.
