Phnom penh: The Cambodia-China Mekong Friendship Bridge has been temporarily opened in Kratie province to facilitate travel for the Kan Ben and Pchum Ben festivals. The temporary access, which commenced on September 8, will extend until September 28, 2025, providing a crucial connection for festival-goers.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Lim Sidenin, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and H.E. Var Thorn, Governor of Kratie province, along with other local authorities. The bridge, part of a larger infrastructure project, is reported to be 98.13 percent complete, while the entire project, including connecting roads, stands at 87.13 percent completion.
During this temporary period, officials have urged the public to comply with traffic regulations, such as adhering to speed limits and following the directions of traffic control officers stationed at the bridge. The “Cambodia-China Mekong Kratie Friendship Bridge” connects Bosleav commune in Chetr Borei district with Prek Prasop commune in Prek Prasop district.
The bridge, measuring 1,761 meters in length and 13.5 meters in width, is designed to accommodate vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. It features 36 piers and a navigable section that measures 100 meters by 15 meters. The project, initiated on January 2, 2023, is funded by a concessional loan of approximately US$114 million from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Construction is being carried out by the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), with technical oversight provided by Wan’an Guangzhou Technical Consultant.