Minister of Public Works and Transport Sun Chanthol said the Stung Trang-Krouch Chhmar Bridge is temporarily open to the public. The Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge crossing the Mekong River connects Kampong Cham and Tboung Khmum provinces. Chanthol said the temporarily opening was approved by Prime Minister Hun Sen in order to ease traffic flow in the province, especially during the Khmer New Year, which will be celebrated between April 14 and 16. He said from now the people who want to cross the Stung Trang-Krouch Chhmar will no longer have to use a ferry. “Prime Minister Hun Sen will come to announce the official opening of the bridge once there is an appropriate time and he will announce the construction of Road 71C, connecting the Cambodia-Chinese Friendship Stung Trang-Krouch Chhmar Bridge to Chamkar Leu and National Road 17,” Chanthol added. He said completion of the bridge is two months ahead of the original plan, which was set for May. He added that all ferries in use today will be used at Kampong Chhnang. The Chinese government is funding the construction of the bridge at a cost of $57 million, which was built by Shanghai Construction Group. It stretches more than 1,131 metres in length and is 13.5 metres in width. With the groundbreaking ceremony held in February 2018, the bridge was scheduled for completion in 42 months. When the bridge becomes fully operational, Chanthol said it is expected to bring about sustainable development and economic growth in Kampong Cham province from faster travel and transportation of agricultural products and goods. “This bridge plays a very important role because it connects two provinces and people will be able to travel easily and quickly from one place to another, besides allowing for the easy delivery of goods and services,” he added.