It’s actually happening. After subtle hints over the past few weeks, authorities have announced that construction on the underground section of Saigon’s first metro line will begin today, reports Tuoi Tre.

The project will kick-off with the construction of the main underground terminal which will be built under the intersection of Lê Lợi and Nguyễn Huệ Streets, just in front of the Opera House.

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The 4 story terminal will be 190 meters long, 26 meters wide, 40 meters deep and will serve as the heart of the Bến Thành-Suối Tiên metro line which broke ground in August 2012.

Approved in 2007, the line runs from District 9 to District 1 with stops in districts 1, 2, 9, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc and parts of Di An district in neighboring Binh Duong province.

Recent reports stated that that flower street and the statues in front of Bến Thành Market will be moved to accommodate construction of the metro line.

Japanese contractor Sumitomo and Vietnam’s Traffic Works Construction Corporation 6 are managing the $1.35 billion, 19.7km project which is expected to open in 2018, with a capacity of 620,000 riders per day.

It will be interesting how contruction will effect the flow of traffic in District 1.