Saigon applies final touch to major bridge after four-year delay

With work started in 2015, Thu Thiem 2 Bridge that costs nearly VND3.1 trillion ($134.9 million) was originally scheduled for completion in 2018 but issues related to funding and site clearance had caused construction progress to drag on for four more years. Both sides of the bridge were joined last September.
By then, it had been more than 85 percent completed.

The bridge connecting District 1 with Thu Thiem New Urban Area, home to a large expat community, in Thu Duc City spans 1.4 kilometers and comprises six lanes.
The cable-stay bridge has its highest pier rising 113 meters.

Workers see to a cable-stayed section at a height of more than 10 meters. All towers and 56 cable-stay systems have been connected, leaning toward Thu Duc City.
The main tower is considered a symbol of the welcome gate for those traveling from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

A road leading to the bridge in the direction of District 1 is in the process of being completed.
For construction purposes, more than 250 old trees on Ton Duc Thang Street had been cut down.

A lighting system is installed at a medianstrip along the road leading to the bridge. Once completed, Thu Thiem 2 Bridge will be illuminated.

Two other branches leading to the bridge from District 1 are also near completion.

People travel under the metro line No.1, which lies next to roads leading to Thu Thiem 2 Bridge.

Workers apply the final touches to the bridge on Feb. 24.

A steamroller reinforces the ground next to the foot of the bridge.

Thu Thiem 2 Bridge as seen from District 1.