A view of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in District 2, HCMC. The HCMC government plans to invite experienced international experts in planning and architecture to get involved in selecting designs for a pedestrian bridge linking District 1 and the Thu Thiem New Urban Area

HCMC Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan has instructed the HCMC Department of Planning and Architecture to invite international experts to join the selection committee to find the most suitable plan.

The pedestrian bridge is expected to be located near Ho Chi Minh Square, by the national flag tower, so it is important to make it harmonize with the landscape.

Apart from further researching solutions to organize traffic at both ends of the pedestrian bridge in districts 1 and 2 to avoid traffic jams, it is necessary to present solutions for access to the bridge.

In addition, long-term solutions for traffic on Ton Duc Thang Street and at Bach Dang Park, which will soon be completed, as scheduled, should also be considered.

HCMC Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong had earlier approved the two pedestrian bridges of the Bach Dang Wharf Park project of Saigontourist Holding Company, which will connect districts 1 and 2.

Many years ago, French consultant Deso, the first prize winner of the design contest for the central square and riverside park in Thu Thiem, proposed building two pedestrian bridges over the Saigon River.

The two bridges were expected to be like two arms welcoming residents from the west bank of the river to the square.

The plan was passed by municipal departments and agencies. Meanwhile, the HCMC government approved research on building the first pedestrian bridge, stretching from the end of Dong Khoi Street, District 1, to the southern site of the central square in Thu Thiem.

To quickly deploy the project, the city leader appointed Saigontourist Holding Company to work with the relevant agencies and the Department of Planning and Architecture to complete a 1/500 scale plan for the project, in line with the approved solution.

The first pedestrian bridge is slated for operation in late 2020 or early 2021. SGT