Laos-Myanmar bridge set to open

Construction News Laos Myanmar

Laos and Myanmar have set May as the date for the opening of the first bridge over the Mekong River that links the two countries.

Xaysongkham Manotham, the project manager, told the Vientiane Times that the opening date had been moved forward from August after the US$26 million (848 million baht) bridge is completed in March. Construction began in 2013.

The two-lane bridge will link Laos’ Luang Namtha province with Thachilek district in Shan state of Myanmar. The two countries hope it will increase trade, investment and tourism between Laos and Myanmar.

The two countries agreed in a meeting last week co-chaired by Lao Public Works and Transport Minister Bounchanh Sinthavong and his Myanmar counterpart Yaw Lwin to revise the launch date and prepare work for officials to handle traffic, immigration and other issues after it is opened for use.

The 690-metre long bridge is a joint venture between the Lao and Myanmar governments.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/466369/laos-myanmar-bridge-set-to-open