The main span of the Saigon River pedestrian bridge is a 187‑metre steel arch that weighs about 3,400 tonnes. Its successful placement shows how careful planning and real‑time coordination can overcome the challenges of a busy river.

Engineers identified a three‑hour slack‑water window using hydrological data, choosing the moment when currents were weakest. The window lasted only about three hours, so all critical moves had to be tightly scheduled.

The operation began around 4:30 am when a barge carrying the arch was moved toward the site. The barge was rotated sideways, anchored, and ballasted to keep the arch steady against the current. Tugboats, winches and anchoring cables helped hold the position as the water level changed.

Alignment of the connection points had to be controlled within millimeters. Engineers used tugboats, winches, anchoring cables and precise ballast adjustments to keep the arch exactly where the design required. At exactly 8:00 am the arch was joined between piers TC01 and TC02, marking the milestone.

The bridge project is sponsored by Nutifood, with the steel arches fabricated and installed by Dai Dung Corporation. The structure is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2026, adding a new public space for Ho Chi Minh City residents and visitors.