A key section of Xi Jinping Boulevard will be closed to traffic starting September 1, 2025. This Xi Jinping Boulevard closure is a significant development set to reshape transportation infrastructure in the region. This is to allow for the construction of the Dei Eth-Thmar Kor Bridge over the Mekong River. The closure, announced by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), will last until February 1, 2028. This marks a long-term but essential disruption in Phnom Penh’s rapidly developing transport network.
The closure will affect the stretch of road from KM 2+800 to National Road No. 1. This lies along the southern section of Phnom Penh’s 3rd Ring Road. Xi Jinping Boulevard is a prominent 48-kilometre arterial route. It is named to mark the 66th anniversary of China-Cambodia diplomatic relations. The boulevard is crucial for cross-city travel and cargo transport. The Ministry has laid out specific traffic diversion plans to minimize inconvenience. This is especially for logistics operators and commuters.
Bridge Project to Transform Regional Connectivity
According to the MPWT, the Dei Eth-Thmar Kor Bridge is a major infrastructure project under construction since June 2023. It is scheduled for completion in early 2028. The bridge spans 3.7 kilometres in length and 26 metres in width. It is being built from reinforced concrete. Once complete, it will connect Dei Eth commune in Kien Svay district and Thmar Kor commune in Lvea Em district. Both areas are in Kandal province, providing a vital link.
Spokesman Phan Rim from the MPWT stated that the bridge will play a key role in economic development and transportation. It will connect key parts of southern and eastern Phnom Penh. Most importantly, the bridge will provide a seamless connection. This will be from Xi Jinping Boulevard and National Road 1 to the Phnom Penh-Bavet City Expressway. This connection will facilitate faster and more efficient travel to Svay Rieng province and onward to the border with Vietnam.
This infrastructure expansion is part of Cambodia’s broader strategy to modernize its transportation grid. It aims to reduce urban congestion and strengthen regional trade corridors, particularly within the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Traffic Management and Detour Plans During Construction
To accommodate the bridge construction and maintain a reasonable flow of traffic during the prolonged closure, the MPWT has announced strategic traffic diversions:
- Light vehicles will be rerouted to Road No. 116A
- Heavy vehicles will be directed to Road No. 12A
- National Road No. 1 will remain unaffected and fully open to traffic
Authorities have stressed that these alternative routes are capable of handling diverted traffic. However, delays and congestion may occur, particularly during peak hours. Motorists should plan their journeys ahead of time. They must adhere to traffic signage. Staying informed about ongoing construction updates is crucial.
The Ministry also emphasized coordination with local authorities and traffic police. This will ensure that the detour routes are properly maintained. Any arising issues will be addressed promptly during the construction phase.
Strategic Importance of Xi Jinping Boulevard
Xi Jinping Boulevard is a central component of Phnom Penh’s 3rd Ring Road. It serves as a bypass to reduce congestion in the city’s core. The 48-kilometre-long road was inaugurated on July 19, 2024 during a high-profile ceremony. This marked the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Cambodia. It is among the latest in a series of large-scale projects supported under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Cambodia’s capital city is experiencing rapid urban expansion. Infrastructure such as Xi Jinping Boulevard and the upcoming Dei Eth-Thmar Kor Bridge are critical for this growth. They support industrial growth, housing developments, and logistics operations across the Phnom Penh metropolitan area and beyond.
In this context, the bridge project is not just a local development but a strategic national investment. By enhancing connectivity to the Phnom Penh-Bavet Expressway, the bridge will streamline access to the Vietnamese border. It will also bolster cross-border trade and investment.
Public Communication and Government Engagement
In its official statement, the MPWT addressed citizens, business operators, and transport companies. They informed them of the construction schedule and road closures well in advance to ensure adequate preparation.
“The Ministry of Public Works and Transport would like to inform the public. This message is for citizens, operators, and all transport companies travelling along Xi Jinping Boulevard (3rd Ring Road). The Ministry has been implementing a project to build a bridge across the Mekong River (Dei Eth-Thmar Kor). It is located in the west in Dei Eth commune, Kien Svay district. In the east, it is in Thmar Kor commune, Lvea Em district of Kandal province,” the announcement read.
With the bridge’s completion expected by early 2028, the Ministry will continue to issue updates and coordinate with relevant authorities. They will monitor construction progress and respond to any public concerns.
Conclusion: A Short-Term Disruption for Long-Term Benefit
The planned closure of a key stretch of Xi Jinping Boulevard will undoubtedly create short-term inconvenience for travelers. However, the long-term benefits of the Dei Eth-Thmar Kor Bridge are substantial. The infrastructure project improves connectivity and reduces travel time. It also strengthens economic links with border provinces and neighboring Vietnam. This project stands as a landmark in Cambodia’s development agenda.
Motorists and businesses are encouraged to make necessary adjustments to their travel and logistics plans starting in September 2025. The government aims to minimize disruption through efficient traffic management. It also focuses on strong public communication and ongoing oversight. These efforts seek to deliver a transformative transportation asset by 2028.
Cambodia continues to invest in infrastructure. This investment fuels growth and regional integration. The Dei Eth-Thmar Kor Bridge will serve not just as a physical connector. It will also be a symbol of progress and partnership in the nation’s march toward modernization.
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