Mekong River Bridge in Kratie Province Nearing Completion

• 8 May 2025
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As of early May 2025, the Mekong River Bridge in Kratie Province is making impressive strides, with construction now 94% complete. The 1,761-metre-long bridge is expected to temporarily open to traffic in September 2025, pending the completion of final touches.

The update was shared on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on 7 May 2025. Notably, the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) has successfully installed the last bridge beam at the 26th span, effectively connecting the entire structure.

The bridge is designed in three sections: the eastern section features a T-shaped beam with 20 spans, the central section is a box beam with 6 spans, and the western section consists of another T-shaped beam with 10 spans.

The main access road leading to the bridge stretches 15.49 kilometres, with the eastern approach measuring 7.68 kilometres and the western approach at 7.80 kilometres. In addition, another four roads associated with the bridge have a total length of 16.20 kilometres, achieving a construction completion rate of 69.91%.

This crucial infrastructure project is part of National Road No. 60B, which connects Kratie province to Kampong Thom province. It plays a vital role in enhancing connectivity with major national roads. On the west side, it links to National Road No. 6 at the Kampong Thma-Kampong Thom intersection heading toward Siem Reap. Additionally, it connects via Provincial Road No. 279 towards Kampong Cham province. On the east side, the bridge connects to National Road No. 7 leading toward Stung Treng province, Ratanakiri province, and Mondulkiri province, as well as linking with National Road No. 73 through Chhlong and Tambe districts, extending toward Tbong Khmum province, and onward to Kampong Cham, Prey Veng province, and ultimately Phnom Penh.

The construction of the bridge is a collaborative initiative financed by the People’s Republic of China, with the total project cost amounting to USD 111 million. As the deadline approaches, the project’s importance in boosting regional connectivity and economic development becomes increasingly evident.

• Road and Infrastructure