Construction Begins on Iconic Nipa Palm Leaf Footbridge in Ho Chi Minh City

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Ho Chi Minh City has started constructing a 720-meter-long pedestrian footbridge designed to resemble a nipa palm leaf. This architectural marvel will connect District 1 with the Thu Thiem Peninsula across the Saigon River and is expected to be completed within a year of its recent groundbreaking.

 

Strategically positioned between the Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel, the bridge’s District 1 abutment will be located in Bach Dang Wharf Park, while on the Thu Thiem side, it will sit near Nguyen Thien Thanh and N14 streets.

 

Ranging from 6 to 11 meters in width, the bridge's main span will reach 187 meters high, ensuring unimpeded river traffic. Funded by Nutifood Nutrition Food JSC, the project carries a hefty price tag of nearly VND1 trillion (approximately US$39.14 million).

 

The footbridge, embodying the iconic southern Vietnamese nipa palm leaf, merges traditional cultural elements with modern design. It includes features such as open spaces for scenic pedestrian views, dedicated lanes for cyclists and individuals with disabilities, and access routes for emergency vehicles like ambulances.

 

 

 

According to Tran Quang Lam, Director of Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Transport, this innovative spatial steel arch bridge is a first for Vietnam and represents one of the most distinctive pedestrian bridge projects globally. Safety and beauty were prioritized by the design consultancy, Chodai & Takashi Niwa Architects, in collaboration with Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam, accounting for wind, earthquake impacts, and shipping traffic.

 

Nutifood Chairman Tran Thanh Hai expressed that funding this project is a tribute to the city’s residents for their role in the company’s growth. He envisions the bridge as a new symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, enhancing its allure to both locals and tourists.

 

At the groundbreaking ceremony, HCMC Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong highlighted the bridge's central role in synchronizing the city’s landscape with upcoming projects, and praised Nutifood for their sponsorship.

 

This footbridge is part of broader connectivity plans for Thu Thiem, which include the existing Saigon River Tunnel, Thu Thiem Bridge (Thu Thiem 1), and Ba Son Bridge (Thu Thiem 2), with future development of Thu Thiem 3 and 4 bridges connecting to District 4 and 7 pending investment, reported VN Express.

 

-- 2025-03-31

 

 

[Watawattana]

Wow!  Sounds great!  Happy to see even more iconic attractions coming to HCM!