Kratie: A new Chinese-funded bridge across the Mekong River in Kratie province is set to open for temporary use during the Pchum Ben Festival in September, following the completion of 96 percent of its construction.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the announcement was made this morning during a ceremony marking the connection of the final segment of the Cambodia-China Mekong Kratie Friendship Bridge. The event was presided over by H.E. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Peng Ponea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, along with senior officials from the ministry, provincial leaders, civil servants, teachers, students, local authorities, and representatives from the construction and consulting firms.
The bridge links Talus village in Bos Leav commune, Chetr Borei district, to Thmar Reap village in Prek Prasop commune, Prek Prasop district. It is part of an infrastructure project costing over US$100 million, which also includes two medium bridges, a short bridge, and a road connecting NR7 to NR60B. The main bridge spans 1,761 meters in length and 13.5 meters in width, with the entire project featuring 31.69 kilometers of connecting roads.
In his speech, H.E. Sun Chanthol highlighted the project's importance in enhancing Cambodia's internal connectivity. He noted that the bridge and connecting roads will improve transport efficiency, particularly benefiting the agricultural, agro-industrial, and tourism sectors in the northeastern provinces.
Furthermore, the bridge is anticipated to enhance daily mobility for local residents and promote broader regional integration under the frameworks of ASEAN, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.