Cambodia will soon begin constructing a long-awaited Mekong River bridge linking two satellite cities in Phnom Penh and Kandal province, aiming to boost regional connectivity and growth, Public Works and Transport Minister Peng Ponea said yesterday.

The planned bridge, with construction scheduled to start early next year, will connect Norea Island City in Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district to Mekong Quay City in Kandal province’s Arey Ksat City.

Ponea said that the project is a visionary initiative by Prime Minister Hun Manet designed to foster economic development, reduce traffic congestion, and strengthen road and bridge networks.

“This bridge project will help enhance connectivity between the eastern and western parts of Phnom Penh and alleviate traffic congestion within the capital,” he said. “It will foster development while delivering economic benefits to residents living in the eastern part of Phnom Penh and Kandal province.”

The minister made the remarks while overseeing the signing ceremony for the project’s construction and supervision contracts.

Specific details regarding the bridge’s exact dimensions and total construction costs have not yet been released. Xinhua