Buzz
The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, also known as the Saigon River Tunnel, is a crucial component within the East-West Boulevard project. Besides easing the traffic burden on the Saigon Bridge, this new route through the tunnel shortens the travel time from the city center to both the Western and Eastern provinces, facilitating inter-provincial trade. The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel significantly contributes to establishing a fairly comprehensive transportation network in the eastern region, reducing pressure on central traffic and driving the development of the new urban area of Thủ Thiêm.
Thủ Thiêm Tunnel at Dusk – A Tourist Destination in Saigon (ST Image)
1. Introduction to the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel
Where is the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Located?
The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel lies along the East-West Boulevard, spanning the Saigon River, connecting District 1 and District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.
The entrance to the tunnel in District 1 is adjacent to Chương Dương Wharf, linking to Võ Văn Kiệt Boulevard.
The entrance to the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel in District 2 connects to the East-West Boulevard, leading to the Cát Lái Intersection.
Hầm Thủ Thiêm connects District 1 and District 2 (ST Image)
Which Route Does the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel Take?
From District 1, passing through the tunnel leads to the new Thủ Thiêm route, reaching the Cát Lái traffic interchange and continuing straight onto Hanoi Highway.
After passing through the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, vehicles turning left can head towards the Thủ Thiêm Bridge via Bình Thạnh District or onto Lương Định Của Street; vehicles turning right will merge onto Provincial Road 25B towards Cát Lái Port, Phú Mỹ Bridge, and more.
Inside the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel (ST Image)
From District 9 and Thủ Đức, if you want to reach the city center via the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, you can turn left at the Cát Lái intersection from Hanoi Highway to enter the new Thủ Thiêm road instead of going through the direction of Saigon Bridge. Then, pass through the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel to reach the center of District 1.
From Cát Lái Port, Nguyen Thi Dinh Street, heading towards District 1, drivers will turn left and go straight through the tunnel into the center of District 1.
Thủ Thiêm Tunnel during construction (ST Image)
- Architecture of the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel
The entire tunnel stretches nearly 1.5 km and consists of three main sections: the District 1 approach tunnel is almost 585 m long, the District 2 approach tunnel is 535 m long, and the underwater tunnel section with four 370 m long segments. The tunnel is 33 m wide, divided into 6 lanes for two-way traffic, and equipped with two emergency exits along with ventilation, lighting, water supply, fire prevention, air pollution monitoring, and vehicle counting systems...
Method of lowering tunnel segments connecting the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel, Saigon (ST Image)
Additionally, the tunnel is equipped with a public address system and alarms in case of emergencies. The emergency exits are located approximately 200 m from the tunnel entrance. The entire tunnel has 38 doors, spaced 50 m apart.
Viewing a glittering Saigon from the roof of the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel at night (ST Image)
2. Thủ Thiêm Tunnel – Bridging the Two Banks
Reasons behind the construction of the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel
The Thủ Thiêm Tunnel serves as the link between the Thủ Thiêm Peninsula and the city center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Thủ Thiêm Toll Booth (ST Image)
Thủ Thiêm Peninsula spans an area of 737 hectares, boasting an ideal landscape; however, its economy is underdeveloped, and the residents are relatively poor. Hence, the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel was constructed to link the peninsula with the city center, fostering the development of a central urban area with high-end commercial and international financial centers, featuring modern infrastructure and living spaces, an ideal undertaking.
Thủ Thiêm Tunnel shimmering with lights at night (ST Image)
Aerial view of the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel
For young enthusiasts of photography in Saigon, the image of the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel rooftop is one of the renowned and familiar spots. Looking down from above, the tunnel roof is a captivating location for young people, especially at dusk when the sunset casts its glow.
A view from Thủ Thiêm Tunnel overlooking the distance (ST Image)
From the tunnel rooftop, you can admire the city center of District 1 from the Saigon River bank, witnessing the beginning of the city lights, observing boats and container ships passing by, enjoying the cool breeze in the vast landscape, where there are empty plots of land, waterways, though rustic, still quite safe.
Young people gather at the Thủ Thiêm Tunnel rooftop to enjoy the scenery and chat (ST Image)
