PHNOM PENH: The Koh Norea Bridge, which recently opened after a long wait, is expected to boost the economy of the tens of thousands of people living in the eastern part of Phnom Penh.

The bridge will help reduce traffic congestion on the Monivong Bridge and make it easier for people to travel, which will reduce costs and help boost economic growth. The bridge is expected to benefit some 200,000 people living in Chbar Ampov district, National Road 1, and Kien Svay district.

The Koh Norea Bridge is one of the five key priorities of the Royal Government of Cambodia's Pentagon Strategy – Phase 1, which focuses on “People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and Technology.”

The 844-meter-long, 24.50-meter-wide cable-stayed bridge connects Koh Norea satellite city in the Chbar Ampov district and Koh Pich satellite city in the Chamkar Mon district across the Bassac River. The bridge has four lanes for vehicles, two lanes for motorcycles, and two lanes for pedestrians. There are also shortcuts under the bridge on both sides of the river.

The Koh Norea Bridge is scheduled to be officially inaugurated in November 2023 under the high presidency of Prime Minister Hun Manet.