Cambodia’s tallest bridge opens to public
Cambodia has opened its tallest bridge to the public for a short period during the Khmer New Year holidays.
The bridge stands 90 metres high and is located in Pursat province, along National Road 10. It opened at 6 am on April 11 and will stay open each day from 6 am to 6 pm until April 17.
Only cars and motorbikes are allowed to use the bridge during this time.
Trucks and other large vehicles must take the old road.
People are also not allowed to stop on the bridge, even to take pictures, as part of efforts to keep traffic moving safely.
Phorn Rim, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the rules are there to protect people.
“To ensure public safety, vehicles are strictly prohibited from stopping on the bridge,” he was quoted by The Phnom Penh Post.
The bridge is 538 metres long and 10 metres wide. It crosses the Russey Chrum stream in a village called Chhay Louk, in O'Som commune.
It is one of 32 bridges being built along National Road 10. This one is the tallest and is almost finished, with 98% of the work done.
People can take photos from special viewing spots built on the bridge.
Because the view is so popular, the government asked the Chinese company building the bridge to make the viewing area wider. It will now be 2.5 metres bigger.
The bridge will close again after April 17 so workers can finish the last parts, like painting road signs and adding safety lines. The full opening is planned for early May.
Sun Chanthol, the first vice-president of Cambodia’s development council, said the bridge will only open for full-time use when all safety work is done.
He asked everyone to drive carefully during the holidays, saying, “Let’s not turn a joyful day into a day of sorrow.
The full road project started in late 2019 and is expected to be finished in June of this year.
