Truck drivers exiting the capital through Chbar Ampov district will be taking a detour for at least the next year as National Road 1 undergoes new construction, the Phnom Penh Municipality has informed drivers.

Heavy trucks that normally take goods along the stretch between Kdey Takov pagoda and Kbal Thnol will be re-routed across Prek Samrong bridge in Takhmao during what City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche said will be a 14-month project.

“City Hall hopes all types of truck owners will cooperate with the relevant authorities,” reads a public notice which was posted on Monday.

Restoration began in April to expand a 4-kilometre segment of National Road 1, from Monivong Bridge to Kdey Takoy pagoda. However, construction was stalled by traffic congestion, which the city hopes to lessen by re-routing all load-bearing trucks.

Police will facilitate traffic on the road and the city has also advised that a 300-metre segment of concrete road be built under eastern Monivong Bridge for bikes and tuk-tuks.

The road improvement is part of a $221 million investment from Japan that included the construction of the Neak Loeung Bridge, which was officially opened last month by Prime Minister Hun Sen.