Saigon River pedestrian bridge arch loaded onto barge for city journey
The bridge is more than 90 per cent complete, with river traffic suspensions scheduled for October 19, 21 and 22 to allow installation work.
The main steel arch for Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon River pedestrian bridge has been loaded onto a barge in Ganh Rai Bay, ahead of transport to the city centre. The arch and its supporting framework together weigh 3,400 metric tons.
Loading finished at about 2:30 am after an overnight operation involving hundreds of engineers and workers. A fleet of 30 self-propelled modular transporters moved the assembly, which measures 156 metres long and more than 20 metres high. Engineers paused between movements to check its height, tilt and effect on the barge.
The technical team was due to spend the next 48 hours tightening cables securing the framework to the vessel. Before towing can begin, the contractor and supervision consultants must check the anchoring arrangements, followed by an acceptance inspection and permits from the Ho Chi Minh City Maritime Port Authority.
Dai Dung Shipyard director Duong Phuc Loi said managing the vessel’s draft and balance was a critical part of loading. The barge can carry 14,000 metric tons and uses 40 pumps to adjust its ballast water.
Saigon River traffic will be halted temporarily on October 19, 21 and 22 for installation and connection of the arch. Construction of the nearly ₫1 trillion bridge began in late March 2025. It will link Bach Dang Wharf Park with Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Thu Duc.
