Three national roads to be completed this year

The development and qualitative improvement of three major national roads in Cambodia are set to be completed by the end of this year, significantly enhancing the transportation sector, economy, and the overall livelihood of the people.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) confirmed that the 114-kilometre National Road 71C, which connects Kampong Cham to Tbong Khmum, will be completed by mid-2024. The new road will facilitate smooth travel and transportation in the region.

National Road 71C is an asphalt-concrete/double bituminous surface treatment (AC/DBST) type road, and began construction in April, 2021.

Currently, the final stage of construction involves completion of traffic signs, installing signage, placing kilometre markers, and planting grass to prevent soil erosion. The project is scheduled for completion by the beginning of October. After it opens, the Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and Guangzhou Wang An Technical Advisor will maintain the road for 24 months as per the construction contract.

In addition, two other national roads are slated for completion this year.

These include National Road 31, which connects National Road No. 3 at Bek Kus point in Tram Kak district, Takeo province, to the Ton Horn junction in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province.

Another new road is National Road 33, connecting Kampong Trach district to Kampot town through Kep province.

These two national roads are crucial for linking Phnom Penh, Kandal, Kampong Speu and Takeo to the coastal provinces of Kep and Kampot. They also serve as vital freight routes to the Prek Chak International Gate in Kampong Trach district.

This infrastructure will play a significant role in the transportation of goods in and out of the port along the Funan Techo Canal Project. The canal project will feature several satellite ports, particularly in Angkor Chey and Banteay Meanchey, and a logistics centre in Kampong Trach district, Kampot province.