Neak Loeung Bridge, also known as the Tsubasa Bridge (Japanese: “翼” meaning “wings”), is a road bridge spanning the Mekong River in Cambodia. The bridge connects the town of Neak Loeung in Kandal Province with the eastern bank of the river, forming a critical segment of National Highway 1, which links the capital city Phnom Penh with the border town of Poipet and onward to Thailand.
Key characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Crosses the Mekong River at Neak Loeung, Kandal Province, Cambodia |
| Function | Carries two lanes of vehicular traffic (National Highway 1) and a pedestrian walkway |
| Design type | Cable‑stayed bridge |
| Total length | Approximately 2,220 m (including approach viaducts) |
| Main span | 300 m |
| Width | 13 m (two traffic lanes) plus a 1.5 m pedestrian walkway |
| Construction period | Began in 2011; completed in 2015 |
| Opening date | 19 December 2015 |
| Funding | Jointly financed by the Government of Cambodia and the Government of Japan under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) grant‑aid program |
| Builder | Kajima Construction Co., Ltd. (Japan) in partnership with local contractors |
| Cost | Approximately US$120 million |
Historical and economic significance
The Neak Loeung Bridge replaced a ferry service that previously linked the two banks of the Mekong at this location. By providing a fixed crossing, the bridge has reduced travel time along National Highway 1 from several hours (including waiting for ferry crossings) to about 30 minutes for the river segment. This improvement has facilitated trade and tourism between Phnom Penh and the north‑western regions of Cambodia, as well as cross‑border commerce with Thailand.
Design and engineering notes
The bridge employs a cable‑stayed system with a single pylon located on the northern bank, supporting the main span via stay cables arranged in a fan pattern. The design accommodates the high water levels and strong currents characteristic of the Mekong River, particularly during the monsoon season. Seismic considerations were incorporated, although the region is classified as low‑ to moderate‑risk for earthquakes.
Operational aspects
Since its inauguration, the bridge has been operated and maintained by the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Toll collection is implemented to support maintenance costs, with rates differing for passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles.
References
- Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Kingdom of Cambodia. “Neak Loeung (Tsubasa) Bridge – Project Overview.” (accessed 2024)
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “Japan‑Cambodia Cooperation in Infrastructure: The Tsubasa Bridge.” (report, 2016)
- Kajima Corporation. “Neak Loeung Bridge Project Summary.” (company publication, 2015)
