Ho Chi Minh City unveils $193M wave-shaped bridge across Saigon River

The Thu Thiem 4 Bridge features wave-shaped arches and dedicated pedestrian decks across the Saigon River, linking Ho Chi Minh City's southern part with Thu Thiem new urban area in the city's east.

Expected to cost VND5 trillion (US$193 million) from the city's budget, the Thu Thiem 4 Bridge is designed with three steel arch spans inspired by water waves.

The project will also feature a dedicated pedestrian and cycling bridge beneath the main structure, along with artistic lighting. The bridge will stretch about 2.16 km in total, including a 1.6-kilometer main section.

It will connect Nguyen Van Linh Street near the Tan Thuan 2 Bridge with Nguyen Co Thach Street. The structure will feature eight lanes, comprising six for cars and two for mixed traffic, with a design speed of 60 kph.

The bridge's design was created by a consortium of Hanoi-based Tecco1, U.S.-based T.Y. Lin, and Hanoi-based Cubic Architectural. The group previously won first prize in a design competition held by Ho Chi Minh City authorities.

The bridge's signature feature is three continuous steel arch spans across the main section, extending about 350 meters and curving like waves.

The design draws inspiration from the waterways of southern Vietnam and the winding course of the Saigon River.

An evening rendering of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge shows its illuminated arches creating a striking landmark over the Saigon River.

An evening rendering of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge shows its illuminated arches creating a striking landmark over the Saigon River.

An evening rendering of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge shows its illuminated arches creating a striking landmark over the Saigon River.

In addition to pedestrian walkways on both sides of the main bridge, Thu Thiem 4 will feature a separate structure beneath it for pedestrians and cyclists, linking riverside parks on both banks.

This marks the first time HCMC has combined a motor vehicle bridge with an independent pedestrian and cycling bridge in a single project.

The proposed recreational space on the pedestrian and cycling bridge will sit beneath and between the main bridge structures. Artistic lighting at night will enhance the landscape of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge.

The proposed recreational space on the pedestrian and cycling bridge will sit beneath and between the main bridge structures. Artistic lighting at night will enhance the landscape of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge.

The proposed recreational space on the pedestrian and cycling bridge will sit beneath and between the main bridge structures. Artistic lighting at night will enhance the landscape of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge.

The bridge is designed with a navigational clearance of 15 m, allowing large vessels to travel along the Saigon River and access central Ho Chi Minh City.

Green parks and public amenities will be developed on both sides of the bridge, providing space for residents and visitors to stroll, exercise and enjoy riverside views.

The approach on the former District 7 side will feature multiple ramps to accommodate two-way traffic and connect with roads and infrastructure below.

These connections include Nguyen Van Linh Street, Huynh Tan Phat Street, the Tan Thuan 2 Bridge, and Nguyen Tat Thanh Street.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council approved the investment policy for the Thu Thiem 4 Bridge in February. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with completion scheduled for 2028.

The location of Thu Thiem 4 Bridge. Graphics by Khanh Hoang

According to an approved plan, the Thu Thiem new urban area will be connected to surrounding districts by five bridges and a tunnel beneath the Saigon River.

Thu Thiem 1 Bridge, Ba Son Bridge and the tunnel along the East-West Boulevard are already operational.

In addition to Thu Thiem 4, the city is building a pedestrian bridge connecting Thu Thiem with the central urban area.

Thu Thiem 3 Bridge, which is planned to link the new urban area with the former District 4, has yet to receive investment.