3,400-tonne pedestrian bridge span successfully loaded onto barge ahead of installation

This is considered one of the most technically demanding stages of construction, paving the way for the steel arch structure to be towed by sea from Dong Xuyen Port to Ho Chi Minh City, where the final installation of the pedestrian bridge is scheduled to take place on the evening of October 21.

Nguyen Van Anh, Project Director of the pedestrian bridge at Dai Dung Corporation, said: "We carried out an extremely thorough process of load testing, monitoring, observation and assessment before proceeding with the loading operation. With enormous pressure exerted on the port wharf and barge, together with the reaction forces of the water, every calculation had to be extremely precise to maintain balance. This achievement truly marks a milestone that the entire construction team can be proud of."

Before the loading operation, the barge was positioned and securely moored, then connected to the wharf through a system of access ramps, allowing specialised self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to move onto its deck.

The Ho Chi Minh City Port Authority then conducted the necessary inspections and issued the required permits, completing all procedures before the barge began its journey.

According to the plan, the towing convoy will officially depart from Dong Xuyen Port on the morning of October 18, beginning a 124km waterway journey to the construction site of the pedestrian bridge across the Sai Gon River.

According to the project management unit, the 3,400-tonne structure will be transported through Ghenh Rai Bay, along the Dinh, Thi Vai, Long Tau and Nha Be rivers, before entering the Sai Gon River. To ensure maximum safety, the barge convoy will travel only during daylight hours and remain securely moored at designated locations overnight.

The barge is expected to arrive at the anchorage area on the Thu Thiem side on the afternoon of October 19, where it will await the planned bridge span installation on October 21.

During the installation, the barge will be turned sideways and manoeuvred into position between the TC01 and TC02 supports, allowing the main arch structure to be accurately positioned and connected to the bridge supports in accordance with the approved technical plan.

Earlier, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction announced restrictions on inland waterway traffic to facilitate construction under Package No. 2 of the Sai Gon River pedestrian bridge project. Temporary waterway closures are scheduled for October 19 and from 2am to 6pm on October 21 and 22.

Funded by Nutifood, the bridge is expected to provide a meaningful new public space and a new gathering place for residents and visitors in the heart of the city.