On February 25, a joint team of technical officers from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Electricité du Cambodge (EDC), and consulting firm Yooshin JV conducted a detailed inspection of the underground power transmission lines impacted by the ongoing Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge construction project. The inspection aimed to assess the existing power network and ensure the project’s alignment with infrastructure requirements while minimizing disruptions.
1. Power Network Assessment:
- The EDC technical team presented the layout of the existing power transmission network in and around the project area to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Yooshin JV. This provided a clear understanding of the infrastructure that could be affected by the bridge construction.
- The area includes a medium voltage (MV) network buried underground, with potential impacts on the east side, where underground cables or electricity poles operated by licensed service providers under the Electricity Authority of Cambodia (EAC) are located.
2. Collaboration for Comprehensive Planning:
- To ensure the project remains on schedule and avoids disruptions, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has requested that Yooshin JV continue collaborating with EDC, EAC, and electricity service providers. This collaboration will focus on producing detailed engineering and technical drawings related to the power networks that intersect with the bridge’s foundation pillars.
- The goal is to prevent damage or disconnection of the electricity network during the construction phase.
Project Overview
The Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge project, currently in the detailed study phase, is a significant infrastructure initiative funded by the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea. With a contract value of $235 million and a construction timeline of 60 months, the project is divided into two main sections:
- Section 1: Connecting the Night Market to the Chroy Changvar area in Phnom Penh.
- Section 2 Extending from Chroy Changvar to the Arey Ksat area in Lvea Em City, Kandal province.
The project will feature two cable-stayed bridges with a total length of 2,375 meters and a width of 27.5 meters, complemented by an approach road spanning 1,174 meters (22.5 meters wide).
Importance of the Project
The Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge is a symbol of the strong bilateral ties between Cambodia and South Korea. Once completed, it will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost economic activity in the region. The bridge is expected to facilitate trade, tourism, and transportation, contributing significantly to Cambodia’s infrastructure development.
Conclusion
The ongoing inspections and collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, EDC, EAC, and Yooshin JV underscore the commitment to ensuring the project’s success while safeguarding existing infrastructure. By addressing potential challenges early and maintaining close coordination, the Cambodia-Korea Friendship Bridge project is poised to become a transformative infrastructure asset for Cambodia, fostering economic growth and regional connectivity.
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