Cambodia’s Transport Ministry and JICA Assess Mekong Riverbank Erosion Threatening Tsubasa Bridge Infrastructure

• Proeksa Meas
• 15 September 2026
• Construction Focus
• 667 Views

Technical experts evaluate riverbed scouring and shoreline collapse near Neak Loeung to formulate long-term protective engineering measures

Phnom Penh: Hydrological shifts and riverbank erosion along the Mekong River continue to pose structural challenges to major transportation infrastructure in Cambodia. On September 2, 2026, Director General of Public Works H.E. Heng Rathpiseth chaired a technical session at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to assess the impact of riverbank erosion near the Tsubasa Bridge, commonly known as the Neak Loeung Bridge. The meeting convened technical representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Cambodia Office, JICA technical advisors, and officials from the General Department of Technical Affairs and the General Department of Waterways.

During the meeting, delegates reviewed hydrological data and spatial analyses regarding the stability of the Mekong riverbed and adjacent shorelines. Discussions centered on recorded riverbank collapse, changes in riverbed depth, and the potential risk of subaquatic scouring around the bridge’s foundational piers. Given that the Tsubasa Bridge serves as a vital transit link along National Road 1 and the Greater Mekong Subregion’s Southern Economic Corridor, monitoring its structural integrity remains a top priority for national mobility and regional trade.

To address these geological risks, the ministry requested technical cooperation and advisory support from JICA. Cambodian officials sought expert recommendations for comprehensive field studies, the identification of suitable riverbank stabilization measures, and potential technical assistance to implement protective engineering works. These joint efforts aim to mitigate scouring risks and ensure the long-term safety and operational durability of the cable-stayed bridge.

In conclusion, the joint evaluation between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and JICA demonstrates a proactive approach to safeguarding crucial national infrastructure. By identifying riverbed erosion risks early and deploying targeted engineering interventions, Cambodia and its international partners are taking critical steps to protect the Tsubasa Bridge, ensure uninterrupted trade flows, and preserve public safety along key economic corridors. (read more)

• bridge
• MPWT
• JICA
• road and bridge
• riverbank erosion
• Tsubasa
• Scouring