AKP Phnom Penh, April 27, 2026 --

Cambodia on Monday officially inaugurated a 19.83-kilometre section of National Road 23 linking Koh Thom Bridge to Leuk Dek district in Kandal province, marking a new infrastructure boost for transport connectivity and local economic development.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance H.E. Dr. Aun Pornmoniroth, representing Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet. Also present were Minister of Public Works and Transport H.E. Peng Ponea, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Cambodia Country Director Ms. Yasmin Siddiqi, senior government officials, lawmakers, provincial leaders, and local residents.

The newly completed road stretches from kilometre marker 34+400 at the foot of Koh Thom Bridge in Chroy Takeo commune, passing through Leuk Dek commune in Koh Thom district, and continues to Peam Reang commune in Leuk Dek district, where it connects with National Road 14 at kilometre marker 54+233.

Launched on June 20, 2023, the project features an 11-metre-wide asphalt concrete (AC) road with two traffic lanes for vehicles and motorcycles travelling in both directions.

In addition to the main roadway, the project included the construction of three bridges with a combined length of 116.4 metres, 48 cross-road culverts, and eight roadside drainage culverts totaling 2,342 metres. The route is also equipped with 80 solar-powered LED streetlights, road signs, lane markings, kilometre markers, and safety posts in line with technical standards.

A roundabout was also built at the junction descending from Koh Thom Bridge to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety.

By C. Nika