The main span, designed to resemble a nipa palm leaf, departed Dong Xuyen Port in Vung Tau early on Sunday, beginning a two-day journey to central HCM City.
The massive structure is being transported by barge to the construction site of the pedestrian bridge linking central HCM City with Thu Thiem.
The barge left the Dai Dung Shipbuilding Factory's port at around 4 am, travelling along the Dinh River and through Ganh Rai Bay before entering the Soai Rap River channel.
The convoy will continue its journey on October 18 and 19, adjusting speed to waterway conditions and stopping at designated anchorage points.
It is expected to reach Bach Dang Wharf and the construction site by 3 pm on October 19.
Contractors said transporting the oversized steel structure, weighing more than 3,400 tonnes, over 124 kilometres of waterways posed a significant engineering and logistical challenge.
Detailed plans covering river conditions, anchoring and vessel traffic management have been coordinated with maritime authorities to ensure safety.
Once the span arrives, contractors will position it and prepare the connections, with the main span scheduled to be joined on October 21.
Funded by Nutifood, the Saigon River pedestrian bridge will stretch approximately 720 metres, with a width of 6-11 metres.
The bridge will connect central HCM City with Thu Thiem, featuring a distinctive main span inspired by the shape of a nipa palm leaf.
