Repairs to the hand rail and pavement and the laying of rubberised asphalt on the old Preah Monivong Bridge began on Wednesday. Hong Menea
Chbar Ampov district authority in Phnom Penh announced the reparation of old Preah Monivong Bridge starting on January 27, while part of National Road 5 from Acleda Bank to Total petrol station in Russey Keo district will be closed for 30 days for a road expansion.
According to the announcement, the reparation of hand rail and pavement and laying of rubber asphalt on the bridge will be made on one side of the traffic direction until the work is complete.
The district administration called for the understanding from road users who travel across the bridge as traffic jams are expected during reparation works.
“The bridge’s width is 11m, with 3m closed and blocked out for construction work. Traffic will still be as usual on the remaining 8m,” it said.
Department of Public Works and Transport director Saing Piseth said the authorities will try to expedite the reparation, but he declined to comment on the cost of the project, saying it is a technical mater.
Meanwhile, the Russey Keo district administration also made an announcement for people to change their usual travel route at the Kilometre 6 area to avoid traffic congestion amid road expansion.
“Please all people be aware, understand and temporarily switch your route by taking street 598 or Chea Sophara Street to reduce traffic congestion or accidents because heavy machinery and vehicles would be used for construction works,” it said.
Community-Based Road Safety Programme deputy team leader and special adviser Kong Sovann said on January 27 that it is necessary for authorities to make announcement about the construction and road closures so that the people are well informed and have enough time to search for an alternative route to avoiding traffic jam which wastes time and money. “It is really important because cars and motorbikes consume petrol and if the traffic jam happens, it will lead to more expenditure and impact the environment,” he said.
Sovann encouraged the authorities to regularly maintain bridges and roads after the construction to ensure quality and avoid accidents.
