# Saigon River pedestrian bridge construction progress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-construction > Updated: 2026-10-24T10:41:38.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5. The Saigon River pedestrian bridge project reached a major milestone with the successful joining of its 3,400-ton steel arch on October 21, 2026. Prior to this, the assembly underwent successful load testing at the Dai Dung Mechanical Construction Trading JSC factory in Vung Tau. This test, utilizing 30 multi-axle self-propelled modular transporters and hydraulic systems, confirmed that the bridge's deflection and stiffness met design specifications. The structure, designed in the shape of a water coconut leaf, was transported 124 km by water from Vung Tau to Ho Chi Minh City. To achieve the connection, engineers maneuvered the massive structure into position using a precise coordination of tugboats, barges, and specialized hydraulic systems. By utilizing hydrological data and tidal patterns, the team identified an optimal window between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM when water levels were most stable. The joining process required moving the barge ‘centimeters at a time’ to align the two ends of the span, which had a gap of only approximately 25 centimeters. Funded by Nutifood and constructed by the Dai Dung Group, the 720-meter bridge represents an investment of approximately $38.65 million. To ensure stability against wind speeds of up to 45 m/s, designers conducted three wind tunnel tests to optimize the curvature of the 33.2-meter wide roof. To support the arch, engineers constructed large underwater foundations, including a primary pier base covering nearly 1,800 square meters. These submerged bases are designed to protect against potential collisions from large container ships navigating the river. ## Claims - The steel arch structure weighs approximately 3,400 tons. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The main steel arch is 187 meters long. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Nutifood is sponsoring the entire cost of the bridge construction. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The bridge design is inspired by the water coconut leaf. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The joining ceremony was held at Bach Dang Wharf. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The steel arch was manufactured and assembled at the Dai Dung Group factory in Vung Tau. (single source) - The bridge connects central Ho Chi Minh City to the Thu Thiem New Urban Area. (single source) - The project aims to be completed and ready for use by the Lunar New Year. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: Saigon River pedestrian bridge features unique palm leaf design The Saigon River pedestrian bridge, featuring a palm leaf-shaped steel arch, is nearing completion with advanced engineering to withstand high winds and river vessel collisions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-features-unique-water-coconut-leaf-design ### 2026-10-22: Ho Chi Minh City pedestrian bridge reaches major construction milestone The 720-meter pedestrian bridge over the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City has reached 90% completion after its main span was successfully joined. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-reveals-unique-steel-arch-design ### 2026-10-19: Saigon River pedestrian bridge reaches major milestone with steel arch connection The Saigon River pedestrian bridge, featuring a 3,400-ton water coconut leaf-shaped steel arch, successfully completed its main structural connection on October 21 in Ho Chi Minh City. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-pedestrian-bridge-steel-span-arrives-at-bach-dang-wharf ### 2026-10-16: Saigon River pedestrian bridge main span begins 124km transport journey A 3,400-ton steel main span for the Saigon River pedestrian bridge has begun a 124km transport journey to Ho Chi Minh City, with final assembly expected on October 21. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-arch-begins-124km-transport ### 2026-10-12: Saigon River pedestrian bridge completes 3,400-ton load test The Saigon River pedestrian bridge project has successfully completed load testing for its 3,400-ton steel arch structure in Vung Tau, moving closer to its scheduled joining in October 2026. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-main-span-to-be-towed-to-ho-chi-minh-city --- Cite as: Saigon River pedestrian bridge construction progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saigon-river-pedestrian-bridge-construction