CẦU ĐI BỘ QUA SÔNG SÀI GÒN ĐANG TĂNG TỐC VỀ ĐÍCH

Thank you to everyone who has supported my "Flying with You" channel. PHAN THANH MANH Account: 107876542700 VietinBank BAC SAI GON BRANCH - HEAD OFFICE ------------------------------------------ More than a year after the groundbreaking ceremony, the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is entering its most crucial construction phase. Previously, people only saw the bridge pillars and construction site, but now the structure is clearly visible on both banks of the river. In particular, the steel arch shaped like a coconut leaf – the architectural highlight of the entire bridge – is nearly complete and preparing for transportation and installation. This is considered a decisive moment for the project's progress, because after the successful installation of the steel arch, most of the most difficult items will be completed, paving the way for the final stage and putting the bridge into operation. The construction site is entering the "final sprint" phase. According to the latest observations at the site, multiple construction items are being simultaneously implemented at both ends of the bridge. On the Bach Dang Wharf Park side, construction units are completing the approach road structure, the area adjacent to the square, and other technical items. Meanwhile, on the Thu Thiem riverside park side, construction of the approach bridge, foundation system, support structures, and auxiliary works is also accelerating. Notably, the construction site maintains a very high intensity of work. Dozens of engineers and workers, along with numerous crawler cranes, mobile cranes, and welding and cutting equipment, are working continuously to ensure the set progress milestones are met. This indicates that the project has moved from the foundation construction phase to the main structure erection phase – a phase that is crucial to the completion time. The coconut leaf steel arch – the most challenging item – is nearing completion. If the bridge is considered an architectural masterpiece, then the main steel arch is the "soul" of the structure. Unlike conventional pedestrian bridges using steel or concrete girders, the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is designed with a gently curved steel arch structure, inspired by the image of the water coconut leaf – a familiar symbol of the Southern Vietnamese riverine region. This is also the most technically demanding component. According to the latest progress updates, the steel structure has reached approximately 95% of the fabrication volume and over 70% of the assembly volume. The components are being manufactured simultaneously at multiple Dai Dung factories in Binh Chanh, Long An, Vung Tau, and An Ha to shorten the fabrication time. Due to its enormous size, the entire steel arch cannot be fabricated as a single block but is divided into many oversized, heavy modules. After completion, the modules will be assembled into a large structure before being transported by waterway to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. August 2026 – the most important milestone of the project. According to the contractor's plan, the towing of the steel arch from the fabrication area to the Saigon River will take place in August 2026. This is one of the most complex stages due to the enormous weight of the steel arch, requiring careful calculations of tidal conditions, navigation channels, weather, and the capacity of the barge and floating crane system. After being brought to the construction site, large-capacity cranes will lift each module onto the bridge piers for assembly and alignment with an accuracy of only millimeters. If this process goes smoothly, the bridge will officially appear with its full characteristic architectural form, marking the completion of the most important load-bearing structure. After the steel arch is installed, the progress will accelerate significantly. In modern steel bridge projects, the erection of the main structure usually accounts for the largest proportion in terms of time and complexity. Once the steel arch is completed, the remaining work mainly consists of: • Construction of the bridge deck. • Install railings and protective glass. • Complete the spiral staircase, elevator, and escalator. • Install the artistic lighting system. • Complete the landscaping at both ends of the bridge. • Conduct load testing, trial operation, and acceptance testing. These items, while requiring meticulous attention to detail, can be implemented simultaneously, significantly shortening the overall project completion time. According to the current plan, if the key construction milestones – especially the transportation and erection of the steel arch – proceed on schedule, the project is expected to be completed by National Day on September 2nd, connecting the two banks of the Saigon River, creating additional public space and an architectural highlight for the city center. This is a crucial stage because even a delay in the main arch installati...