The Phnom Phenh-Sihanoukville Expressway opened to the public on October 1 and will be free to use until the end of the month, so people can experience the convenience of travelling between the two cities quickly.The expressway also facilitates the movement of people and goods, which will reduce transportation costs and save time. Travelling from Phnom Phen to Sihanoukville currently takes about five to six hours on National Road 4, but the new expressway will slash travel time to approximately two hours. Ministry of Public Works and Transport spokesman Heang Sotheayuth said yesterday that people are enjoying the drive along the smooth expressway, which is a dual carriageway road, with two lanes heading to the seaside city and the other two in the direction on the capital. “Even if there is rain in some provinces along the road, people can use the expressway safely and without concern or fear of accidents because drivers will respect the traffic law and signs along the road,” he said. He added that construction for this expressway broke ground on March 22, 2019, and crosses three provinces – Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Koh Kong – on its way from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk province and has a total length of 187.05 kilometres. There are three rest areas for travellers along the road and one parking lot for vehicles.Kampong Speu Provincial Deputy Police Chief in charge of Traffic Brigadier General Tap Lorn said yesterday that the expressway crosses 80.8 kilometres of Kampong Speu province and along the way there are enough traffic signs to assist people and the Helpline 1399 in case of emergencies.“It may be raining along the expressway, but travellers can rest assured that their journey will be smooth. I have also noticed that drivers are respecting the traffic law and signs along the road,” Brig Gen Lorn said. There have been no traffic accidents along the expressway so far, he added, but one vehicle broke down on Sunday (yesterday) with a mechanical problem. However, rescue workers arrived on time to help as they were deployed from a nearby station. “The expressway is excellent for travellers and it is important for travellers to respect the law and all traffic signs along the road to avoid accidents. However, vehicle owners must prepare a spare wheel and check their vehicle’s condition before travelling long distances,” he added.