Korea-Backed USD 114 Million New Koh Kong Bridge Project Moves Forward with Feasibility Study

• 13 March 2025
• Local News
• 224 Views

Five major Korean investment firms are currently conducting a feasibility study on the ambitious Koh Kong Bridge and National Road 48 upgrade project, which carries an estimated cost of USD 114 million. The project is expected to enhance connectivity between Khmer Rouge City and Cambodia’s western border, significantly improving transport infrastructure in the region. This development follows a meeting on 20 February 2025 between representatives of Korean companies, the Koh Kong provincial administration, and other relevant departments.

According to preliminary project plans, the new Koh Kong Bridge is set to span 1,700 metres in length, 10 metres in width, and feature two lanes—a key upgrade to facilitate smoother road crossings over Koh Por. Additionally, 7.8 kilometres of National Road 48 will undergo a complete transformation into a four-lane, concrete-paved roadway, connecting the bridge to the Cambodia- Thailand border to enhance trade and mobility. While the exact specifications of the bridge’s length, size, and location are yet to be finalised, two primary design options are under review: (1) expanding the existing bridge with two additional lanes or (2) demolishing the old bridge and constructing a modern four-lane replacement. Improvements to pavement and overall roadway structure are also being explored to boost traffic flow, safety, and economic growth in the province.

The project is funded by a grant from the Korean government through the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) and aims to enhance transportation efficiency and resilience in Cambodia’s western region. The feasibility study is being conducted by Donghae Engineering & Consultants Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Kunhwa Engineering & Consulting Co., Ltd., Dongsung Engineering Co., Ltd., and Kyungdong Engineering Co., Ltd. Meanwhile, JHSUSTAIN Inc. is leading a climate impact assessment, ensuring that the project aligns with sustainability goals under the international EDCF climate change response framework. The framework mandates that recipient countries like Cambodia integrate climate resilience, emissions reduction, and adaptation strategies into major infrastructure developments.

This transformative infrastructure project is poised to be a catalyst for economic expansion, strengthening trade routes, tourism, and investment in Koh Kong Province—one of Cambodia’s most strategically significant locations.

• Road and Infrastructure