Prime Minister Hun Sen officially opened Phnom Penh’s second sky bridge in Stung Meanchey last Friday, and committed the capital to at least two more “mega sky bridges” and a huge underground tunnel to reduce traffic congestion.

The second sky bridge, connecting Toul Kork district and Sen Sok district, was dubbed the “7 January” flyover, in commemoration of Victory over Genocide Day.

The first flyover bridge along Norodom Boulevard was inaugurated in July 2010.

“We have now reached agreement for a third sky bridge in Stung Meanchey district,” Hun Sen said. “The first step [to ease the traffic congestion] is to build two mega sky bridges and one tunnel carved underground.

“The main issue is to ask for cooperation from the villages that will be affected and support from the relevant institutions, especially the Ministry of Economy and Finance.”

The “7 January” flyover cost about US$8.7 million, while the first sky bridge cost $6.4 million. The Premier estimated the third bridge woud cost $18 million and take 18 months to build.

Due to traffic congestion, Phnom Penh Municipal Governor Kep Chuktema has also ordered investigations into potential road-widenings of busy streets.