The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has confirmed that the Kratie Mekong Cambodia–China Friendship Bridge, valued at USD114 million, is on schedule for completion and official opening on April 1, 2026. Construction began in January 2023 and is being financed through a Chinese concessional loan over a 42-month period. Current works include road markings, lighting installations, and completion of connecting feeder roads, with overall progress reported at 98.36%.
The project comprises a 1.7-km bridge and over 32 km of connecting roads, including a 15-km main approach road and four urban link roads within Kratie City. The bridge spans the Mekong River, linking Talus village (Chitr Borei district) and Thmar Reab village (Prek Prasap district). It features two full lanes, two motorcycle lanes, and pedestrian walkways in both directions. Road sections are being upgraded with asphalt surfacing and landscaped median strips.
Once operational, the bridge will strengthen connectivity between the east and west banks of the Mekong River, linking Kratie and Kampong Thom provinces and improving access to national road networks. The project forms part of the government’s Pentagonal Strategy (Phase I), under the Roads pillar, and aims to boost trade, mobility, and economic integration in northeastern Cambodia.