Cambodia Advances Strategic Infrastructure Plan with Upgraded National Road 1 and New Mekong River Bridge

• Proeksa Meas
• 28 August 2026
• Construction Focus
• 623 Views

Discussions on JICA’s draft final report highlight a 53-kilometer road widening project and an Extradosed Bridge connecting Phnom Penh to Areyksat along the Southern Economic Corridor

As Southeast Asian nations continuously upgrade their transport networks to drive economic integration and regional competitiveness, Cambodia is taking significant strides to modernize its core transit corridors. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport held a high-level review meeting to examine and discuss the Draft Final Report for the National Road 1 Improvement and Mekong River Bridge Construction Project. Chaired by HE Touch Chankosal, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the meeting convened senior technical officials, representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Japan International Cooperation Agency Cambodia Office, the Phnom Penh Capital Administration, Kandal Provincial Administration, and JICA’s technical consultant study team.

Designed to enhance transport efficiency and alleviate severe traffic bottlenecks along the vital Southern Economic Corridor, the comprehensive infrastructure plan covers two major components. The first encompasses the transformation and expansion of a 53-kilometer stretch of National Road 1, widening the roadway from two lanes to four or six lanes depending on specific section requirements, while incorporating elevated viaducts at dense urban centers and market hubs. The second major component involves the construction of an Extradosed Bridge across the Mekong River to connect Phnom Penh with the rapidly developing Areyksat area, integrating seamlessly with Outer Ring Road 2 and key connecting arteries.

During the consultation, delegates engaged in thorough technical exchanges regarding engineering designs, environmental and social impact mitigations, underground utility alignments, and phased implementation schedules. Participants expressed strong appreciation for JICA’s meticulous study, recognizing the draft final report as a pivotal milestone that brings the project closer to formal physical execution. Once completed, these enhanced linkages will significantly lower logistics costs, accelerate cross-border trade, and bolster Cambodia’s position within regional logistics networks.

In conclusion, the advancement of the National Road 1 upgrading project and the new Mekong River bridge reflects Cambodia’s strategic focus on sustainable urban planning and regional infrastructure benchmarking. By modernizing key transit routes, Cambodia is not only solving immediate urban congestion but also strengthening its macroeconomic resilience and regional connectivity for long-term prosperity. (read more)

• Road and Infrastructure
• JICA
• road and bridge
• Road improvement
• National Road 1