On August 31, Prime Minister Hun Sen officially broke ground on a $36.8 million interchange and a $10 million overpass, two new flyovers in the capital.
The grand interchange, which will be named Monivong, would connect the triple intersection of the Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (better known as Street 271), and Monivong boulevards.
The overpass, which will be named Kong Sam Ol, will link Samdech Chaufea Veang Kong Sam Ol Blvd and Russian Federation Blvd .
According to the Prime Minister, the two projects would be built for a total $46,775,000 by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). While it will take 16 months to complete the Kong Sam Ol flyover, the Monivong interchange is expected to take 36 months.
He remembered that compared to now, requirements of the people were considerably different in the 1980s and 1990s. He continued that while a reliable food supply was important to his people at the time, modern transportation and business infrastructure is what they require today.
He claimed that building infrastructure in the country’s capital is based on the idea of “packing palm sugar in palm leaves,” which means that Phnom Penh will create the income needed for its own development.
Additionally, he mentioned current plans to build three bridges across the river, one from the Old Market to Svay Chrum, Kdei Takoy to Arey Ksat, and Chak Angre to Prek Pra, to improve traffic movement into and out of the city. He continued, “Some of the projects are in advanced development phases, and some are currently in negotiation with construction partners.”
At the ceremony, Khuong Sreng, the governor of the Phnom Penh Municipality, stated that the government has made some outstanding progress nationwide in the field of infrastructure. He said that such initiatives had boosted development, enhanced peoples’ quality of life, and raised the country’s image.
In order to ensure that the capital is as advanced as any city in the area, he continued, ” Prime Minister Hun Sen has consistently supported the construction and repair of transport infrastructure in Phnom Penh.”
Sreng claims that Phnom Penh has invested about $226 million in the building of flyovers and bridges over the river.
The Kbal Thnal Flyover was opened on June 24, 2010, the January 7 Flyover on January 6, 2012, the Stung Meanchey Flyover on July 31, 2014, the January 5 Flyover on January 5, 2016, the Stop Psar Dey Hoy Flyover on July 2, 2018 and the Chom Chao Flyover on March 31, 2022. A second flyover, measuring 483 meters long, 15.8 meters wide, and 5 meters high, is being built in Sangkat Russey Keo, Khan Russey Keo.
Currently, the capital city of Phnom Penh has more than 500,000 cars and almost 2 million motorbikes.
Photos: Official FaceBook page of Samdech Hun Sen, Cambodian Prime Minister
