PHNOM PENH: The construction project of the third ring road of Phnom Penh to reduce traffic congestion in the capital remained ten percent completed as of Feb. 25, said yesterday in a news release of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT).

The construction of this nearly-53-kilometer-long and 22-meter-wide ring road began in January 2019 with an estimated cost of US$273 million. Besides the 3rd ring road, connecting National Road (NR) No. 4 in Sangkar Chaom Chau 3, Khan Por Sen Chey, Phnom Penh, to NR1 in Dei Edth commune, Kean Svay district, Kandal province, the construction project includes four flyovers and eight bridges.

Once completed, the new infrastructure will contribute to further easing cross-border transport, promoting international trade, and turning the surrounding area into a development zone. MPWT has been conducting a feasibility study of the construction of Phnom Penh's 4th ring road, linking NR51 to NR41.

The Third Ring Road is a vital route for reducing traffic congestion in Phnom Penh. Furthermore, the interconnection and integration of special areas connecting the ASEAN Highway and the major economic corridors of the Greater Mekong Subregion help to facilitate cross-border transportation, promote international trade, and turn the land on both sides of the road.