The Mekong Bridges

[Lone Rider]

A Thai teacher friend living in Mae Chan is talking about a railway line crossing over the bridge near Chiang Khong.

Yes, David Baily also mentioned something about trains - a highspeed passenger line from Yunnan to Thailand, another highspeed train coming from China through Laos and then on to Thailand (Nongkhai) and a freight train which would enter Thailand at Chiangkhong (at least that is what I remember but I am not 100% sure). Maybe David Baily can enlighten us further about the train issue.

 

[Lone Rider]

View attachment 15600

An aerial view of the new Huayxay to Chiangkhong bridge taken from the Lao side (photo by Andrew Bartlett)

 

[Lone Rider]

ANOTHER NEW BRIDGE OVER THE MEKONG TO DON KHONG ISLAND, CHAMPASACK, LAOS

(Adapted from KPL News) A new bridge over the Mekong (Hou Khongleam channel) to connect Don Khong island directly with Rd 13 South has started with the groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge held at Houai (Huay) village in Khong district, Champassak province, on 3 June. The bridge will have a span of 718.8 m long with 11 m wide from Ban Hard (Ban Hatbouabeng) to Ban Houai. This bridge is designed to have two lanes with 2 X 4 m wide and 3 m-sidewalk and will cost US$34 million including related construction work and is expected to be completed by mid-2014.

Things are moving along and, according to an article in KPL (the Lao News Agency) progress is being made and, although they are behind schedule, the bridge is now for "42% complete". Most of the piling works appears to have been finished and now they get to the actual construction of the bridge body itself.


Bridge over the Mekong at Don Khong - Source :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Besides this bridge another 2 bridges are being built and ferry piers are being upgraded. The other bridges are between Ban Had and Ban Na (not sure where this is but I am still trying to fins out - have sent some email feelers out), and another one between Ban Donsan and Ban Khonglem, and ferry points in Ban Houakhong and Ban Huayyang.

Below is part of the GPS map showing the approximate location of the Ban Khonglem bridge and the ferry crossing to Ban Huayyang to be upgraded. The latter would potentially provide a direct link to Mounlapamok and Highway 14.

 

[KTMphil]

Thanks Auke, great info.

Never sent from an I-Phone

 

[2wheels]

Agree!
Trust Auke to get all of the details first.

 

[Lone Rider]

Opening of the Chiangkong - Huayxai Bridge on 2 October

According to reports from the Lao and Thai ministries, Thailand's Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will attend the opening ceremony on 2 October. The bridge was flagged to open in September at a meeting between officials from the two countries in Thailand two months ago, however Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's busy schedule delayed the date until October. Mr Vanthong said work on the Lao side of the bridge was now almost 99 percent complete, and the only remaining task was to lay about 6 km of asphalt from the bridge to link with Road No. R3. “We can finish paving this asphalt in the first two weeks of this month if there is no rain,” he said.

The project is jointly funded by Laos and Thailand, with the total cost exceeding US$44.8 million. According to Bokeo provincial officials, the Chinese government is providing US$20 million in grant aid so the Lao government can meet its 50 percent share of the costs. Laos will also provide more than 4 billion kip in compensation payouts for people whose properties are affected on the Lao side of the bridge.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao , (Latest Update August 2, 2013) - Adapted from Vientiane Times

Pictures taken last week by LR of the new Lao Customs/Immigration buildings

 

[Ally]

Auke - is that cloud in the distance going "Oink Oink" ?



Ally

 

[KTMphil]

With the bridge opening planned for October, 2013, from the Houay Xai, Laos side, yesterday, I managed to ride completely across the Mekong Friendship bridge from Houay Xai, Laos into Chiang Khong Thailand.

Entering the bridge from the Laos side

After riding completly across the bridge to Chiang Khong looking back towards the Laos side of the bridge

Has anyone else ridden all-the-way across the bridge yet?




Arriving at the Chiang Khong, Thailand side of the Friendship Bridge, being a bit careful here as i've not checked out of Laos here, don't want to be the first smuggler caught crossing the bridge.

 

[KTMphil]

A couple more from transiting the Houay Xai, Laos / Chiang Khong, Thailand, Friendship bridge

Didn't stop at the end of the bridge to take photo's in case security came a running

 

[brake034]

That's great Phil, maybe the first Farang to cross! Did you pass customs on the Thai side or no staff/buildings/infrastructure yet?

 

[KTMphil]

Houay Xai Customs & Immigration

 

[KTMphil]

That's great Phil, maybe the first Farang to cross! Did you pass customs on the Thai side or no staff/buildings/infrastructure yet?

No, turned around at the Thai side of the bridge & headed back to Loas, didn't want to to cause problems. I think I could have ridden straight through on the Chiang Khong, Thailand side & ridden around to Thai Customs & Immigration at the ferry crossing and checked into Thailand (but I would have had to have checked out of Laos first).

 

[KTMphil]

The Naraj Nakhon Resort on the Houay Xai side of the bridge almost completed

 

[KTMphil]

That's great Phil, maybe the first Farang to cross! Did you pass customs on the Thai side or no staff/buildings/infrastructure yet?

I think currently it's only possible from the Laos side


GPS track

 

[Lone Rider]

4 th Friendship Bridge between Houayxay and Chiang Khong to finish this month's end

(KPL) Construction of the 4 th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Chiang Khong District in Thailand and Ban Houayxay in Laos, is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Progress was reported to Minister of Public works and Transport, Mr Sommad Pholsena and his delegation during a field visit from 14 to15 September. Construction of the bridge and checkpoint buildings on the Lao side have been completed while construction of the three kilometre road to the bridge is almost complete, according to a press release from the Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The bridge will be 680m long and 14m wide and will include a pedestrian walk on both sides. Construction of the bridge cost about US$44.8 million.

Half the investment was provided by the Thai government, along with the design, with the remaining work under the responsibility of the Lao government with an aid grant from the government of China. Construction of the 4 th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge commenced on June 2010, press release said, as part of the GMS North South Economic Corridor International Bridge Project, connecting Laos, China and Thailand as well the region.

An official opening date for the bridge has not yet been released.
Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Note by LR: For what it is worth - I have seen quite a few dates being mentioned as opening dates like last years 12.12.12 and most were "passed by " but at this moment two dates are being mentioned as possible dates for the opening: 11 December and 13 December being 11.12.13 and 13.12.13

 

[Lone Rider]

Construction of another bridge over the Mekong has just started. The new bridge is in Rd 2W west of Pakbeng (Mueang Ngeun to Pakbeng road) and will replace the small ferries now operating - coordinates: 19.84295 E101.06530 . A Chinese company is constructing it and they were busy putting up their offices, rock crushers, etc.

From KPL News - :: KPL :: Lao News Agency: (KPL) The construction of Park Beng Bridge begun in December 2012 spanning Mekong River in Park Beng district, Oudomsay province, is now 21.6% complete. The bridge under the special loan of the EXIM Bank of China worth US$30.89 million connects the national roads 2W and 2E to Nguen district, Sayabouly province. "The 700 m long and 13 m wide bridge is expected to be completed in 2015, spurring the provincial socio-economic development," said Mr. Nolasack Sisouphan, supervisor of bridge construction.

 

[KTMphil]

Re - The Chiang Khong / Houy Xai Bridge opening


I received this information from a Chiang Khong resident regarding the bridge opening:




Fyi bridge opening.

Start to do some very limited test runs late this month.

Then either 11 december or 6 January for official opening.

Dates of course are important and set by the monks.

4 th Friendship Bridge between Houayxay and Chiang Khong to finish this month's end

(KPL) Construction of the 4 th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Chiang Khong District in Thailand and Ban Houayxay in Laos, is expected to be completed by the end of this month. Progress was reported to Minister of Public works and Transport, Mr Sommad Pholsena and his delegation during a field visit from 14 to15 September. Construction of the bridge and checkpoint buildings on the Lao side have been completed while construction of the three kilometre road to the bridge is almost complete, according to a press release from the Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The bridge will be 680m long and 14m wide and will include a pedestrian walk on both sides. Construction of the bridge cost about US$44.8 million.

Half the investment was provided by the Thai government, along with the design, with the remaining work under the responsibility of the Lao government with an aid grant from the government of China. Construction of the 4 th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge commenced on June 2010, press release said, as part of the GMS North South Economic Corridor International Bridge Project, connecting Laos, China and Thailand as well the region.

An official opening date for the bridge has not yet been released.
Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Note by LR: For what it is worth - I have seen quite a few dates being mentioned as opening dates like last years 12.12.12 and most were "passed by " but at this moment two dates are being mentioned as possible dates for the opening: 11 December and 13 December being 11.12.13 and 13.12.13

 

[Lone Rider]

The Bridge over the Mekong in Rd 4 replacing the ferry at Tha Deua

New one coming along across the Mekong just north of Xayabouri, Laos locals were saying it will be finished in 1 year

View attachment 9214

View attachment 9215

Picture of the bridge under construction in May 2013

Xayabury Province bridged with Luang Prabang Province (Rd 4)

(KPL) Newly built Mekong bridge spanning between Thadeua of Xayabury and Pakkhone in Luang Prabang was opened for public use on Saturday 12 October 2013 following three years of construction.

The bridge was opened by Deputy Governor of Xayabury Mr Phongsavanh Sitthvong and his Luang Prabang counterpart Mr Bouakhong Namavong in the presence of relevant officials. This bridge is 620 m long and 10.5 m wide. It has been equipped with sidewalks, drainage, streetlights and traffic signs. "The construction of the inter-province Mekong bridge is part of the Northern GMS Transport Network Improvement Project, which is designed to improve Road No 4 (367 km) lying between Xieng ngeun District (T-junction of Road 13 north), Luang Prabang and Nakha Village (Lao-Thai border), Xayabury," said Head of Thadeua-Pakkhone Bridge Construction Project, Mr Sisouphanh Phimsipasom. The US$9 million project is financed by the government of Republic of Korea (80%) and the Lao Government (20%), according to Mr Sisouphanh .

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency


The completed bridge ready for use


Location of the bridge

 

[KTMphil]

Just received from David Bailey regarding the Chiang Khong, Thailand - Houay Xai, Laos bridge opening:



"Ready or not Grand opening is to be 11 12 13. Rumor from committe friends of Sakuna Bailey has it that the new bridge across the Mekong in Chiang Khong will begin soft operations 11 December 2013.
For bikers, still go down to the ferry as usual - at least for some time."

 

[brake034]

So does soft opening mean not yet opened officially but open for traffic?

 

[2wheels]

For bikers, still go down to the ferry as usual - at least for some time."

Looking at the signage on Phil's photo it seems they haven't even considered bikes!

 

[Lone Rider]

ANOTHER NEW BRIDGE OVER THE MEKONG TO DON KHONG ISLAND, CHAMPASACK, LAOS

(Adapted from KPL News) A new bridge over the Mekong (Hou Khongleam channel) to connect Don Khong island directly with Rd 13 South has started with the groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge held at Houai (Huay) village in Khong district, Champassak province, on 3 June. The bridge will have a span of 718.8 m long with 11 m wide from Ban Hard (Ban Hatbouabeng) to Ban Houai. This bridge is designed to have two lanes with 2 X 4 m wide and 3 m-sidewalk and will cost US$34 million including related construction work and is expected to be completed by mid-2014.

Donkhong Bridge is 42 % built

(KPL) Donkhong Bridge spanning the Mekong River in Champasak province has been 42 per cent complete, according to an engineer of its constructor , Mr. Lattana Taivanh. "We have achieved 90 per cent of pile driving plan. The work fails to meet due date as it has been delayed by erratic weather. "The construction is going on and it would be 80 per cent built by the end of this year," said Mr. Lattana Taivanh, and we confirm tha the construction project will be fully complete by 2014,"said Mr. Lattana. The bridge construction project is part of a US$ 34-million infrastructure development project co-financed by the Chinese government (95%) and the Lao government (5%).

The multi-million US dollar project includes the construction of bridges - one is Done Khong Bridge, one to be built between Ban Had and Ban Na, and another one between Ban Donsan and Ban Khonglem -, and ferry points in Ban Houakhong and Ban Huayyang. "While the bridge construction is going on, several domestic and foreign businesses are showing more interests in investing in the region with a focus on tourism, guesthouses, hotels and restaurants,"said Mr. Lathtana.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency





(Note LR): I guess that the ferries, once replaced by the bridge, will move to the north-west side of the island to provide a link directly to the track to Mounlapamok as the whole project also includes ferry points in Ban Houakhong on Don Khong and Ban Huayyang on the other side of the river.

 

[Lone Rider]

New Lao-Thai Mekong bridge construction planned between Saravan and Thailand (north of Ubon Ratchathani?)

(KPL) Laos and Thailand plan to build yet another bridge spanning the Mekong River, this time between Saravane Province in Laos and Ubon Ratchathani Province in Thailand. The bridge is hoped to promote logistics and investment. A feasibility study on bridge construction was discussed between two high-ranking officials last week. The plan has been under negotiation for some time, with the precise location still being determined by the two governments.

In recent years, Saravane Province has begun a process of transformation, aiming to become a transit hub for East-West and North-South routes, improving connectivity with nearby provinces and neighboring countries, particularly in light of the upcoming integration of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Saravane has a traditional and an international border checkpoint with Thailand and three border checkpoints with Vietnam. "The exact time for construction has not been determined as we are waiting for the study to be approved by two governments,"he said. The Government of Laos is working hard to transform the country's status of land-locked country into land-linked.

Laos has already has four Mekong Friendship Bridges linking it to Thailand between Vientiane-Nongkhai, Savannakhet-Mukdahane, Khammouane-Nakhone Phanom and the newly completed bridge between Houaysay-Xiengkong. The construction of a new bridge between Bolikhamxay Province of Laos and Beungkarn Province of Thailand is also in the works (see http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/general-discussion/400-mekong-bridges.html#post2155), while the construction of the first Lao-Myanmar Mekong Friendship Bridge is underway (http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/laos-ride-reports/4417-burma-laos-bridge-over-mekong-more.html).

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[brake034]

Any more rumours on the Chiang Khong bridge upcoming opening and possibility to cross with bikes??

 

[Lone Rider]

Things are moving along and, according to an article in KPL (the Lao News Agency) progress is being made and, although they are behind schedule, the bridge is now for "42% complete". Most of the piling works appears to have been finished and now they get to the actual construction of the bridge body itself.

View attachment 17316
Bridge over the Mekong at Don Khong - Source :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

View attachment 17318

Some progress: Don Khong Bridge 60% complete

(KPL) The Don Khong Mekong Bridge construction project has been confirmed 60% complete, following two years of construction. Officials have confirmed it will be finished in mid-2014, two months ahead of schedule. The project falls under the development strategy of Champasack authorities and constitutes a development priority of the government.

Chinese construction company HNDCI is conducting the US$ 34.12 million project. The project is co-funded by the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Lao Government (US$ 1.70 million). The multi-million dollar project, initially expected to last 36 months as from November 2011, includes the construction of Don Khong Bridge spanning the Mekong between Ban Hat and Ban Houay at over 718 m, as well as a 184-m bridge between Ban Khonglaem and Ban Done San.



Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[KTMphil]

Some photo's of the Chiang Khong, Thailand / Houay Xai, Laos, Friendship Bridge opening ceremony today from our man on the ground David Bailey, a Chiang Khong resident.

This could be from his house, he lives so close!

With the Princess coming, high security, even the Thai Navy out on the Mekong

"Notes from Chiang Khong.
0700 in the morning and all are getting ready for the bridge opening.
11 12 13 might be an auspicious date but cold wet and foggy weather are less then ideal. Big official gathering up on the bridge and locals to gather underneath.
Back home having coffee but when I hear the helicopters coming I'll know the Princess is here and it's party kick-off time.
Cheers"

 

[2wheels]

Wonder if David can confirm whether or not bikes can use the new bridge; or are we condemned to the barge?

 

[Lone Rider]

Some movies of the opening of the 4th Thailand - Laos Friendship Bridge this morning at 10 o'clock which makes it 10 at 11-12-13 :

 

[KTMphil]

Wonder if David can confirm whether or not bikes can use the new bridge; or are we condemned to the barge?

This is the word from Chiang Khong today re bikes across the new bridge:


Bikes and new bridge?
Not yet but should be, given time. So says customs head to Mai this morning. You never know the real or the whole story, but indications are that Thailand is for it, they've got lots of Big Bikes and use to them. Where as Laos is possibly the hold up; they are not so use to them...
No matter the "back story", bikes won't happen for a while. They need to first sort out the procedures for commercial traffic and then cars and then...
In the meantime the barge ferry for bikes and small boats for walking, will continue to be operational.
Cheers

 

[Lone Rider]

Thanks Phil and Mai for the heads up on crossing the new bridge - will stay away from it for the time being

 

[2wheels]

Thank you.

 

[KTMphil]

A few more photo's of today's bridge opening ceremony sent to me by Mr. Bailey

The first trucks across the bridge

 

[2wheels]

The first pic seems to show a biker crossing over.

 

[KTMphil]

More from Mr Bailey re motorcycles and the new bridge at Chiang Khong:


The word fron CK Immigration those that can use the bridge as of today:
Trucks.
Cars private.
Mini vans full of people.
People walking into the office to clear out then take a big Laos bus across the bridge.
Motor bikes driving across? "Never".
Bikes can go into the back of a truck.
Bikes can use the CK barge or go to Nan crossing, or to Pakse crossing.
Cheers

 

[KTMphil]

A few more from the 1st day of the bridge opening at Chiang Khong / Houay Xai

Truck drivers in the Immigration office doing paper for the "driver".
I'm here doing 90 day but they don't have the forms here. They are in the old office and staff went to get them.

 

[2wheels]

Motor bikes driving across? "Never".

If that is the case … PATHETIC! :boxing and :bash and :kat and and and and .

If it's not the case then I'll take all that back!

 

[Pounce]

What's wrong with the ferry?

 

[Lone Rider]

Well, the ferry can be sloooooow as they normally wait till the ferry is full, it is more expensive - 500 Baht for a bike and 1000 Baht for a pick-up truck (versus probably 30-40 Baht) for the bridge. As the freight traffic will now use the bridge, the ferry may not be going anymore so you will have to load the bike on a small boat and then prey that the bike won't fall of the boat while crossing the Mekong.

 

[skeedary]

As I have mentioned here before, I was in Houy Xai 2 weeks ago and the lady Lao Customs Officer told me that motorbikes will be allowed to cross in a month time. So we can hope that is so.
Plan B is the ferry crossing that I wonder why they would leave in operation and also the officer told me that the Lao Custom facility will be at the new bridge location.

For me I will now be using the Nan no problem crossing, that gives access to all points in Laos. Nan crossing is about the same distance from Chiang Mai as Chiang Khong so unless you are heading to China why bother with the CK politics and the uncomfortable Hwy 13 from Oudum Xai. The road from Nan to Oudum Xai is good.

Gary

If that is the case … PATHETIC! :boxing and :bash and :kat and and and and .

If it's not the case then I'll take all that back!

 

[2wheels]

Actually, I seem to recall that KTMPhil rode across that bridge quite some rime ago.