The administration of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern hub, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a pedestrian bridge spanning the Saigon River on Saturday morning, one month ahead of schedule. 

City leaders, representatives from Vietnam Nutifood Nutrition Food Joint Stock Company (Nutifood) – the project's sponsor – and other participants attended the event.​

The footbridge will be 261 meters long and between six and 11 meters wide. It will feature a 187-meter river span with a clearance of 10 meters above the water and an overall width of 80 meters, according to the Department of Transport and Public Works.

The city previously selected an architectural design inspired by the nipa palm leaf, a plant associated with the culture of the southern river region.

Delegates participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the pedestrian bridge spanning the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, March 29, 2025. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

This design was proposed by a consortium including Japanese-invested Chodai, Takashi Niwa Architects, and Chodai Kiso Jiban Vietnam.

Nutifood is funding the project under a sponsorship agreement signed in December 2023 with the city's Department of Transport, which is now the Department of Transport and Public Works.

Under this agreement, Nutifood will cover all investment costs for the project in accordance with the policies, planning, and design approved by the city’s authorities. The total funding is estimated at over VND1 trillion ($39.1 million).

This is the first pedestrian bridge in Vietnam to apply a spatial steel arch structure—a technical solution that will make the project one of the most unique pedestrian bridges in the world, Tran Quang Lam, director of the department, told the ceremony.

The bridge is scheduled for inauguration on April 30, 2026, linking Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 with the Thu Thiem urban area in Thu Duc City, a district-level unit under Ho Chi Minh City.​

The District 1 side of the future pedestrian bridge spanning the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Lam emphasized that the pedestrian bridge will become a new architectural symbol of the city, providing an entertainment space for residents and tourists, host outdoor cultural and artistic events, and serve as a place for community connection.​

Speaking at the event, Bui Xuan Cuong, deputy chairman of the municipal administration, emphasized that the commencement of this project is a practical action to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country's Reunification Day (April 30), enhancing the quality of life for residents and adding unique value to the city's urban planning.​

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!