187-meter steel arch rotated 90 degrees for final link of Saigon River pedestrian bridge

Tugboats rotated a 187-meter-long, 3,400-ton steel arch shaped like a nipa palm leaf across the Saigon River on Wednesday morning, positioning the centerpiece span for the pedestrian bridge linking Bach Dang Wharf with the Thu Thiem urban area.

A barge carrying the bridge span was moved into position on the Saigon River at 5:40 a.m. The entire assembly weighed approximately 3,400 tons, consisting of the 187-meter, 1,400-ton main steel arch and a 2,000-ton support frame.

To make the final connection, construction crews had to maneuver the massive steel structure into the middle of the river and align it with high precision to link up with the completed sections on both banks, said Nguyen Huu Hoang, project director at Nutifood, the project's sponsor.

The bridge will connect Bach Dang Wharf Park across Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the city center with Thu Thiem urban area.

On the Bach Dang side, the bridge pier and the 239-m approach section are nearing completion.

On the opposite side, dozens of workers gathered along the approach and around the bridge pier in preparation for the final connection.

After being maneuvered into position for the connection, the steel arch was rotated approximately 90 degrees from its initial orientation near the Thu Thiem riverbank. The structure had previously been transported from Vung Tau to Bach Dang Wharf on Oct. 19.

The simulation of the bridge joining. Video by Nutifood

Around 150 workers, using specialized equipment, are securing the main span to the bridge piers. At the same time, two push boats and a tugboat moved close to the barge to help position the bridge span.

Around 150 workers, using specialized equipment, are securing the main span to the bridge piers. At the same time, two push boats and a tugboat moved close to the barge to help position the bridge span.

Around 150 workers, using specialized equipment, are securing the main span to the bridge piers. At the same time, two push boats and a tugboat moved close to the barge to help position the bridge span.

Around 150 workers, using specialized equipment, are securing the main span to the bridge piers. At the same time, two push boats and a tugboat moved close to the barge to help position the bridge span.

A curved approach section is built in front of the Bach Dang Wharf area to connect with the main span.

The barge carrying the bridge arch left its mooring along the Thu Thiem riverbank early Wednesday.

To ensure safety during construction, the Saigon River shipping channel through the area is temporarily closed from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.

Many residents gathered early in the morning at Bach Dang Wharf Park to watch the bridge sections being joined.

Once the connection is complete, the contractor will finish the bridge deck, railings, architectural features, and lighting, as well as install escalators and elevators. The project is expected to open to the public during the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday in February.