The Mekong Bridges

[KTMphil]

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

Yep, middle of August 2013 I transited the bridge from the Laos side

The GPS track data from my GPS across the bridge

 

[KTMphil]

Talking with our people on the ground in Chiang Khong today, it sounds like the motorcycle crossing processing from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Houay Xai, Laos is currently a nightmare with the new bridge currently prohibited for motorcycles leaving Chiang Khong, Thailand. With Russ validating that the Houay Khon, Nan, Thailand, international border crossing into Muan Nguen, Laos is now open again, this is the way I will be entering Laos from Thailand in the near future and forces you to ride R 1148!!

 

[brake034]

We could consider using my truck and shuttle up and down the bridge?

 

[KTMphil]

Chiang Khong New Town (new surrounding bridge area) opening celebration/ party (Photo's by David Bailey)



I would never never ever have believed this. Ck Newcity party. Must be over 800 cars/pickups. Tons tons of food clothing shops and the ubiquitous ladyboy show soon to start.
I'd never ever thought there were this many people in ck let alone to a party atmosphere.
Cheers

Even a new car exhibition

 

[KTMphil]

The bridge across the Mekong River on R 4, just north of Xayabury, Laos is now open co-ords:


N19.42341

E101.83922



Kevin & David were there 2 days ago & reported that R 4 on the northern side of the bridge that heads NE to Luang Prabang is still about 50 % unpaved with gravel/ crushed rock, they did it no problem with a motard bike and said it wasn't uncomfortable.

Pretty sweet bikes to do it on!

Views of the Mekong River from the bridge

 

[marcusb]

Wow! I heard 2015 was the expected opening, very good news. I crossed it in a canoe at low water and it was fun, crossed it again in high water and it was terrifying. Looking forward to trying out the bridge. When The road is fully upgraded I am sure that will be the quickest route from BKK to LP.

 

[Lone Rider]

The Paklay bridge, also known as the Nasak Khokhaodo Mekong Bridge linking Highway 11 with Highway 4

See also: http://www.rideasia.net/motorcycle-forum/laos-ride-reports/4417-burma-laos-bridge-over-mekong-more.html

During my recent trip to Laos on my way to Paklay from Vientiane I had to cross the Mekong by ferry. Hopefully the bridge which is under construction will be finished by the end of this year (scheduled completion date 31 December 2014) although it is clear that still a lot needs to be done. Just a few pictures of the bridge under construction:

The ferry crossing

One of the drilling heads to drill the holes for the colums of the bridge

The bridge heads on the eastern and western side

Artist impression of the completed bridge (picture copyright Midnite Mapper / LaosGPSmap)

 

[Lone Rider]

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

View attachment 21965 View attachment 21966

View attachment 21964

(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.

A friend reports that there is some progress at the bridge to Don Khong (4000 Islands): Don Khong Bridge nearly finished. Chinese Government support 95% of the costs of the bridge (about 34 Millon $).



Photo copyright Lae Khamveunh Phothisalath

 

[Lone Rider]

The Paklay bridge, also known as the Nasak Khokhaodo Mekong Bridge linking Highway 11 with Highway 4

During my recent trip to Laos on my way to Paklay from Vientiane I had to cross the Mekong by ferry. Hopefully the bridge which is under construction will be finished by the end of this year (scheduled completion date 31 December 2014) although it is clear that still a lot needs to be done. Artist impression of the completed bridge (picture copyright Midnite Mapper / LaosGPSmap)

Nasak-Khokkhaodor bridge on track despite delays, says local constructor

The construction company working on the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Mekong Bridge is satisfied with progress despite the work moving slowly. The bridge will be the first ever across the Mekong River to be built by a Lao company. The project's Manager, Mr Buavieng Champaphanh, spoke to Vientiane Times on Friday about the bridge construction progress. "We admit the project has gone slowly as the constructor has no experience in bridge building, and is also facing difficulty with financing," Mr Buavieng said. Thongphouphan Oudomsin Road-Bridge Maintenance and Construction Co., Ltd is undertaking the construction of the 360-metre-long bridge linking Nasak village, Paklai district in Xayaboury province to Khokkhaodor village, Xanakham district in Vientiane province.

The project, which will cost a total of 189 billion kip, will eventually be funded by the government but is being paid for upfront by the company. Mr Buavieng said although the project was a private-public partnership, the government had achieved a good price for the work by having companies bid for the tender. It will be the second-cheapest bridge so far, second only to the Thadeua-Pakkhone Bridge across the Mekong River between Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces. Mr Buavieng said construction of the Nasak-Khokkhaodor bridge, which began five months later than scheduled, was 35 percent complete, with all pylons near the riverbanks complete.

He said work was now underway on the bases of the four pylons in the centre of the bridge, with the constructor aiming to finish one of them this month. The rest will be constructed after the rainy season because the water level will rise a further two to three metres on top of the level in April, which was around 20 metres. Mr Buavieng said it would be impossible to continue work on pylon installation in the rainy season as the water could reach even greater depths. The bridge will be made of concrete and steel. The Lao government received a grant of 2.3 million euros from the Dutch government to be used for purchasing girders that are being produced in China and are due to arrive in Laos in October. Mr Buavieng said once all pylons were in place the bridge would be 90 percent complete. "The installation of the steel superstructure will not take up much time," he said. The project will be a model for the state using a tender bidding process that could be repeated with future expensive public-private joint ventures, Mr Buavieng said.

Source VT - June 10, 2014 Vientiane Times

 

[Lone Rider]

A friend reports that there is some progress at the bridge to Don Khong (4000 Islands): Don Khong Bridge nearly finished. Chinese Government support 95% of the costs of the bridge (about 34 Millon $).

View attachment 28452

Photo copyright Lae Khamveunh Phothisalath

Don Khong Mekong bridge to open this year end

(KPL) Under construction Don Khong Island Bridge in Champassack province will be officially opened for public use in five months. Director of Construction Project, Mr Khamhoung Nouphasay said that the bridge is nearly complete and need only decoration. Mr Khamhoung said the construction of Don Khong Mekong Bridge between Hard village and Na village, Khong district, Champasack province, is 92% complete. The installation of street light, traffic signs and asphalt pavement at each end of the bridge will be further implemented.

The construction of embankment is expected to be completed in August this year and the bridge will be opened for public use in October, said Mr Khamhoung. Don Khong Bridge Construction Project commenced in mid-2012. The fund for the construction was grant aid from the Chinese Government, representing 95% and remainder is provided by the Lao Government. The US$34-million Don Khong Bridge is designed to be 718 metre long, 11 metre wide including 1.50-metre sidewalks and an eight-m-wide road.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency - June 6, 2014

 

[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.

View attachment 21742

View attachment 21743

View attachment 21744

View attachment 21745

Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong River Bridge to ensure link with ASEAN



Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong Bridge spans the Mekong River between Pakbeng district in Oudomxay Province and Ngeun district of Xayabouly Province. The over-247-billion kip bridge is designed to link national Road No 2 W with 2 E. "The construction work is now completed by 52% since the beginning of construction in December 2012. Upon its completion, the bridge will be 700 m long and 13 m wide. It is expected to be fully complete as scheduled or by March 2015," he said.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[skeedary]

Whoever runs the construction in Laos and that mainly is Chinese certainly expedites the work. I was able to see the commencement of that bridge not too long ago. I read now of the planned high speed rail to run from Luang Namtha to the south that will be an engineering test.

 

[bsacbob]

Oh dear another nice ferry crossing bites the dust anytime soon.

 

[Lone Rider]

Whoever runs the construction in Laos and that mainly is Chinese certainly expedites the work. I was able to see the commencement of that bridge not too long ago. I read now of the planned high speed rail to run from Luang Namtha to the south that will be an engineering test.

Yes, it is a Chinese construction company who builds the bridge but, if it is a recent picture which was shown in the KPL Newspaper, I doubt that the bridge would be ready in March next year as still a lot needs to be done.

 

[KTMphil]

The Chiang Khong road (now documented as R 1356) that leads to the new Friendship Bridge 4 to Houay Xai, Laos, is gradually filling up with businesses.




Land prices along the bridge road now, we're told 6 million Bht a rai and the smallest piece for sale is 10 rai. There is 1X 1/2 rai piece 400 meters from immigration border checkpoint, asking price 32 million rai !!!!!




40 shop houses completed on the south side and more being built in the photo below


IMG_9710_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr



The tomb stone markers are in


IMG_9709_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





PT fuel station is just about ready to open. No more heading all the way into Chiang Khong town for the last tank of 95 before Laos-bound



IMG_9707_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr





There's a map below of all the erections along the new R 1356 that links to the Friendship Bridge 4









Chiang Khong New City


IMG_9715_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr




Checkpoint mid week was very quiet


IMG_9716_edited by Triangle Golden 007, on Flickr

 

[CraigBKK]

There's a map below of all the erections along the new R 1356 that links to the Friendship Bridge 4

I know some women in BKK who would pay big money for such useful information Phil...

 

[Lone Rider]

Nasak-Khokkhaodor bridge on track despite delays, says local constructor

The construction company working on the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Mekong Bridge is satisfied with progress despite the work moving slowly. The bridge will be the first ever across the Mekong River to be built by a Lao company. The project's Manager, Mr Buavieng Champaphanh, spoke to Vientiane Times on Friday about the bridge construction progress. "We admit the project has gone slowly as the constructor has no experience in bridge building, and is also facing difficulty with financing," Mr Buavieng said. Thongphouphan Oudomsin Road-Bridge Maintenance and Construction Co., Ltd is undertaking the construction of the 360-metre-long bridge linking Nasak village, Paklai district in Xayaboury province to Khokkhaodor village, Xanakham district in Vientiane province.

The project, which will cost a total of 189 billion kip, will eventually be funded by the government but is being paid for upfront by the company. Mr Buavieng said although the project was a private-public partnership, the government had achieved a good price for the work by having companies bid for the tender. It will be the second-cheapest bridge so far, second only to the Thadeua-Pakkhone Bridge across the Mekong River between Xayaboury and Luang Prabang provinces. Mr Buavieng said construction of the Nasak-Khokkhaodor bridge, which began five months later than scheduled, was 35 percent complete, with all pylons near the riverbanks complete.

He said work was now underway on the bases of the four pylons in the centre of the bridge, with the constructor aiming to finish one of them this month. The rest will be constructed after the rainy season because the water level will rise a further two to three metres on top of the level in April, which was around 20 metres. Mr Buavieng said it would be impossible to continue work on pylon installation in the rainy season as the water could reach even greater depths. The bridge will be made of concrete and steel. The Lao government received a grant of 2.3 million euros from the Dutch government to be used for purchasing girders that are being produced in China and are due to arrive in Laos in October. Mr Buavieng said once all pylons were in place the bridge would be 90 percent complete. "The installation of the steel superstructure will not take up much time," he said. The project will be a model for the state using a tender bidding process that could be repeated with future expensive public-private joint ventures, Mr Buavieng said.

Source VT - June 10, 2014 Vientiane Times

During one of my recent trips to Laos I crossed the Mekong again near Paklay. Things are moving along and 2 out of the 4 columns required to support the bridge are ready and they are working on number three

Work in progress - apologies for the bad quality of the picture.

The ramps to the bridge have been constructed and are ready to be paved. Not sure when the bridge will be ready as there was no sign yet of the bridge structure (steel truss bridge) which is being made in China and then transported to the bridge site.

The new ramp on the east side (Khokkhaodor side) with the existing road to the left of the ramp which branches of from the existing road and then crosses it to the bridge

 

[Lone Rider]

Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong River Bridge to ensure link with ASEAN

View attachment 30607​

Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong Bridge spans the Mekong River between Pakbeng district in Oudomxay Province and Ngeun district of Xayabouly Province. The over-247-billion kip bridge is designed to link national Road No 2 W with 2 E. "The construction work is now completed by 52% since the beginning of construction in December 2012. Upon its completion, the bridge will be 700 m long and 13 m wide. It is expected to be fully complete as scheduled or by March 2015," he said.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

A slight delay in the construction of the bridge and the completion date is now expected to be August 2015 instead of March 2015 according to this source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

 

[Lone Rider]

Don Khong Mekong bridge to open this year end

(KPL) Under construction Don Khong Island Bridge in Champassack province will be officially opened for public use in five months. Director of Construction Project, Mr Khamhoung Nouphasay said that the bridge is nearly complete and need only decoration. Mr Khamhoung said the construction of Don Khong Mekong Bridge between Hard village and Na village, Khong district, Champasack province, is 92% complete. The installation of street light, traffic signs and asphalt pavement at each end of the bridge will be further implemented.

The construction of embankment is expected to be completed in August this year and the bridge will be opened for public use in October, said Mr Khamhoung. Don Khong Bridge Construction Project commenced in mid-2012. The fund for the construction was grant aid from the Chinese Government, representing 95% and remainder is provided by the Lao Government. The US$34-million Don Khong Bridge is designed to be 718 metre long, 11 metre wide including 1.50-metre sidewalks and an eight-m-wide road. The multi-million US dollar project includes the construction of bridges - the Done Khong Bridge between Ban Had and Ban Na, and another one between Ban Donsan and Ban Khonglem -, and ferry points in Ban Houakhong and Ban Huayyang.

Photo copyright Lae Khamveunh Phothisalath

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency - June 6, 2014

Apparently the bridge over the Mekong to Don Khong Island is more or less ready and people are using the bridge according to a message I received from a good friend who is riding in that area with two of his friends at the moment. Not sure if they will post a trip report on RideAsia but in case they don't, I'll try to get one of their pictures of the new bridge and I guess that in due course I will post it here.

Not sure if the bridge at the northern tip of Don Khong island to Don San island is ready but Google Earth does show the location of the bridge as well as the bridge itself.

 

[KTMphil]

Shame to see all that ferry business wiped away

Apparently the bridge over the Mekong to Don Khong Island is more or less ready and people are using the bridge according to a message I received from a good friend who is riding in that area with two of his friends at the moment. Not sure if they will post a trip report on RideAsia but in case they don't, I'll try to get one of their pictures of the new bridge and I guess that in due course I will post it here.

Not sure if the bridge at the northern tip of Don Khong island to Don San island is ready but Google Earth does show the location of the bridge as well as the bridge itself.

View attachment 32595

 

[Lone Rider]

Apparently the bridge over the Mekong to Don Khong Island is more or less ready and people are using the bridge according to a message I received from a good friend who is riding in that area with two of his friends at the moment. Not sure if they will post a trip report on RideAsia but in case they don't, I'll try to get one of their pictures of the new bridge and I guess that in due course I will post it here.

Not sure if the bridge at the northern tip of Don Khong island to Don San island is ready but Google Earth does show the location of the bridge as well as the bridge itself.

View attachment 32595

New Mekong bridge to boost trade, investment in Champassak

The opening of a 718-metre bridge across the Mekong River yesterday, linking Khong Island to the mainland of Champassak province, is set to boost trade, investment and tourism and drive growth in the southern region. The bridge, which is 11 metres wide, took 34 months to complete. Built at a cost of more than US$34.12 million (more than 273.9 billion kip), 95 percent of the financing was provided by a long-term, low interest loan from China's Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank). The remaining 5 percent, amounting to US$1.7 million, was provided by the Lao government.

The new bridge will enable the inhabitants of the 10 villages on Khong Island (Khong district) to better connect with the mainland. They were previously only able to make the river crossing by ferry, which was time-consuming and inefficient. Visitors to the island, which is a popular tourist spot, also had to catch a ferry, while boats transported all vehicles and supplies.

Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Chinese Ambassador to Laos Guan Huabing and other officials from Laos and China yesterday attended the official opening of the bridge, which was largely funded by the Chinese government.In his address at the opening ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchan Sinthavong said Chinese financial support was significant for socio-economic development and the growth of trade and tourism in the south of Laos. The bridge will make travel to and from the island much easier, as well as the transport of goods, he added.

Adapted from Vientiane Times

Vehicles cross the newly opened bridge in Champassak province (24 November - picture copyright Vientiane Times)

 

[Lone Rider]

Mekong Bridge from Luang Prabang District to Chomphet District

The construction of a bridge over the Mekong between Luang Prabang District and Chomphet District has been postponed until next year due to a shortage of funds and a late survey. The bridge is designed to be 1200 meters long and 12 meters wide crossing the Mekong at Ban Don-Mai to Ban Muangkham in Chomphet district. Upon completion (expected in 2020), the bridge will link Rd 4B in Chomphet district to Rd 13N near the Souvannaphong University north of the airport.

Source: KPL newspaper 14 January 2015

Note LR: The construction of the bridge might be delayed further considering the shortage of funds even before the work for the survey and construction has started.

 

[Lone Rider]

Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong River Bridge to ensure link with ASEAN

View attachment 30607

Pakbeng-Ngeune Mekong Bridge spans the Mekong River between Pakbeng district in Oudomxay Province and Ngeun district of Xayabouly Province. The over-247-billion kip bridge is designed to link national Road No 2 W with 2 E. "The construction work is now completed by 52% since the beginning of construction in December 2012. Upon its completion, the bridge will be 700 m long and 13 m wide. It is expected to be fully complete as scheduled or by March 2015," he said.

Source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge over 60% complete

(KPL) The construction work on the Mekong Bridge between Pakbeng and Ngeun Districts is reportedly over 63% complete after two years of construction work and expected to be open for public use at the end of this year.

“We have to complete construction by year-end. The bridge, costing almost US$31 million is designed to cross the Mekong River between Pakbeng District of Oudomxay Province and Ngeun District of Xayaboury Province. Construction began in 2011 and is expected to be finished by November with the bridge being open for public use one month later,” according to the Deputy Head of the Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge Construction Project, Mr Liying Xayasang.

To ensure that the construction work is completed on time, the company is speeding up the remaining construction work including the reinforced concrete work, construction of the embankment, and removal of the temporary barrier. The Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge is 700 m long, 13 m wide, and will have 1.5 m wide sidewalks on both sides, and will be part of National Road No 2 W.

 

[Lone Rider]

Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge over 60% complete

(KPL) The construction work on the Mekong Bridge between Pakbeng and Ngeun Districts is reportedly over 63% complete after two years of construction work and expected to be open for public use at the end of this year.

"We have to complete construction by year-end. The bridge, costing almost US$31 million is designed to cross the Mekong River between Pakbeng District of Oudomxay Province and Ngeun District of Xayaboury Province. Construction began in 2011 and is expected to be finished by November with the bridge being open for public use one month later," according to the Deputy Head of the Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge Construction Project, Mr Liying Xayasang.

To ensure that the construction work is completed on time, the company is speeding up the remaining construction work including the reinforced concrete work, construction of the embankment, and removal of the temporary barrier. The Pakbeng-Ngeun Mekong Bridge is 700 m long, 13 m wide, and will have 1.5 m wide sidewalks on both sides, and will be part of National Road No 2 W.

Pakbaeng-Ngeun bridge set to open this November

A bridge across the Mekong river between Pakbaeng district in Oudomxay and Ngeun district in Xayaboury province is set to open for public use at the end of this year, a deputy head of the project reported yesterday. Construction work on the Pakbaeng-Ngeun bridge is now 84 percent complete since the start in December 2012, according to construction project deputy head Mr Leeying Phaiyiasang. The bridge, costing US$30.8 million (about 250 billion kip), will be 379 metres in length and 13 metres in width and it will replace the current ferry service across the river.

Bridge construction is being 95 percent financed by China with the Lao government contributing five percent. According to a Chinese road and bridge engineering company, construction of the bridge should have been fully completed by March this year but they experienced some delays causing extension beyond the company's plan. All works are expected to finish in August and the bridge will be opened in November this year. The bridge will be opened temporarily for one year and then government will officially open it permanently, said Mr Leeying.

Source: Vientiane Times - Pakbaeng-Ngeun Bridge (Latest Update July 08, 2015)

 

[Lone Rider]

During one of my recent trips to Laos I crossed the Mekong again near Paklay. Things are moving along and 2 out of the 4 columns required to support the bridge are ready and they are working on number three

Work in progress - apologies for the bad quality of the picture.

The ramps to the bridge have been constructed and are ready to be paved. Not sure when the bridge will be ready as there was no sign yet of the bridge structure (steel truss bridge) which is being made in China and then transported to the bridge site.

The new ramp on the east side (Khokkhaodor side) with the existing road to the left of the ramp which branches of from the existing road and then crosses it to the bridge

Late June this year the 4 pylons to support the steel truss bridge were almost finished and it seems that the opening date of December 2015 (according to the locals) is possible assuming that the steel trusses arrive in time from China where they are prefabricated


Picture nicked from a friend's Facebook page and resized

 

[Lone Rider]

Another Mekong Bridge planned between Konteun and Houay En (Rd. 2249)

The Vientiane Times reported some time ago that another Mekong bridge is being planned. The bridge will replace the ferry from Koneteun (Kontun) village to Houay En village, Paktha district, Bokeo Province (Road 2249 - about 50 km. west of the Pakbeng bridge and 50 km. south of Houayxai), will be about 456 metres long, but the final design details have yet to be decided. The UniCredit Bank Austria AG has agreed to provide a loan of about 9 million Euro for the construction of the bridge.

Source: Vientiane Times/FreeContent_Laos_secures.htm

 

[Lone Rider]

Late June this year the 4 pylons to support the steel truss bridge were almost finished and it seems that the opening date of December 2015 (according to the locals) is possible assuming that the steel trusses arrive in time from China where they are prefabricated

View attachment 38713
Picture nicked from a friend's Facebook page and resized

Was passing through Paklay yesterday on my way home and things are moving along with the bridge. The parts of the bridge have arrive from China and they are now bolting all the parts together. December ready? Not sure but things look good.

 

[Lone Rider]

5th Thai-Lao cross-Mekong bridge planned

Xinhua News Agency | Wed,2016-01-06

Plans for a fifth bridge connecting Thailand and Laos across the Mekong River is underway with blueprints being examined by the Lao government, a provincial official said on Tuesday. Connecting the Thai province of Loei with Vientiane Province in Laos, the bridge is set to see the status of an existing border crossing upgraded to full accreditation. Along with the expansion plans comes the upgrading of a 132-km roadway connecting the border crossing at the district of Xanakham with that of Hinheup sitting astride Laos' major north-south National Road No. 13.

A proposal for the road and bridge construction project was under examination at the national level, state-run media Vientiane Times quoted Director of Public Works and Transport for Vientiane province Soumountha Somchanmavong as saying. The planned road and bridge is set to permit greater flow of travel and freight between Laos and Thailand and onward to China's southwestern province of Yunnan, boosting trade and relieving congestion on the existing road network that sees most goods flows routed toward the existing 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting the country's capital of Vientiane and Thailand's province of Nong Khai.

Interconnecting regional road and rail infrastructure including including the Lao-China Railway currently under construction are central to Lao plans to strengthen overland links connecting the landlocked country to the larger markets of its neighbors as well as sea ports and global trade hubs via the China-proposed "Belt and Road" initiative. Transport development for trade and tourism has been identified as a key development plank by Lao policymakers in its bid to achieve by 2020 the necessary metrics in order to graduate from the ranks of the world's least developed countries.

Source: http://en.apdnews.com/xin-hua/312999.html

Note LR: For the construction of the road to Hinheup see Rd. 4502

 

[Lone Rider]

Re: Another Mekong Bridge planned between Konteun and Houay En (Rd. 2249)

The Vientiane Times reported some time ago that another Mekong bridge is being planned. The bridge will replace the ferry from Koneteun (Kontun) village to Houay En village, Paktha district, Bokeo Province (Road 2249 - about 50 km. west of the Pakbeng bridge and 50 km. south of Houayxai), will be about 456 metres long, but the final design details have yet to be decided. The UniCredit Bank Austria AG has agreed to provide a loan of about 9 million Euro for the construction of the bridge.

Source: Vientiane Times/FreeContent_Laos_secures.htm

Bokeo-Xayaboury Mekong bridge design completed

The design of a new Mekong bridge spanning the Mekong between Paktha district in Bokeo Province and Khop district of Xayaboury Province has been confirmed completed. Yet there is a need for the budget to be approved by the government. "In the near future, the second Mekong Bridge of the province will be built. Its design has been completed but there is a need for the budget to be approved by the government and investors," Director of the Planning and Investment Department Vannasone Phothipanya said on Monday

Source: Adapted from http://kpl.gov.la/En/Detail.aspx?id=10193

 

[Pounce]

A slight delay in the construction of the bridge and the completion date is now expected to be August 2015 instead of March 2015 according to this source: :: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Close but still not quite ready yet, maybe a couple more months away.

 

[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

Things move slow in this part of the world - the above article in the KPL newsletter is from October 2013. The Thai side just conducted this week a preliminary survey on where the bridge should be built:

UBON RATCHATHANI, 24 April 2016 (NNT) - Transport Minister Arkom Termpitayapaisit has visited the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani to discuss the construction plan for the sixth Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge. Mr. Arkom has surveyed a location in Phalan Sub-district in Na Tan District, which is opposite Lakhonpheng City in the Laotian province of Salavan. Ubon Ratchathani Governor Somsak Changtrakul briefed Mr. Arkom on the project.

The Transport Minister said the Department of Highways would undertake a feasibility study of the location, using three main criteria: approval between the Thai and Lao governments, economic viability and the impact on security. Mr. Arkom commented Phalan Sub-district has many suitable locations for the construction of the sixth Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge, adding that the agency in charge has the duty to choose the most suitable location which may be close to or outside the city center.

Source: Sixth Thailand-Laos Friendship Bridge

Approximate location of where the bridge could be built - don't hold your breath though as the construction of the bridge between Bolikhamxay Province of Laos and Beungkarn Province of Thailand referred to in the 2013 newspaper is now rumoured to start sometime in 2019

 

[blackwolf]

Are you sure this is a Chinese project? I've passed through Pak Lay four times now on 3 separate trips and the locals told me it was Vietnamese run. In fact, the first time I was trying to find the ferry I ended up at the bridge site and a Vietnamese guy pointed me in the direction of the ferry. I asked him if he was Vietnamese and he said yes.

Somehow I wouldn't expect a Chinese project to employ Vietnamese and vice versa. I could be wrong though.

Was passing through Paklay yesterday on my way home and things are moving along with the bridge. The parts of the bridge have arrive from China and they are now bolting all the parts together. December ready? Not sure but things look good.

 

[blackwolf]

Where's this bridge?

Close but still not quite ready yet, maybe a couple more months away.

 

[Lone Rider]

This is the new bridge west of Pakbeng in road 2W from the border crossing of Houay Khon / Mueang Neun (north of Nan) to Pakbeng and Oudomxay

The new bridge as seen from the Mueang Ngeun side


The small ferries which were used before the bridge was built now out of work​

 

[Lone Rider]

Was passing through Paklay yesterday on my way home and things are moving along with the bridge. The parts of the bridge have arrived from China and they are now bolting all the parts together. December 2015 ready? Not sure but things look good.

December 2015 has gone and we are close to December 2016 and according to the Vientiane Times of today, they will put the concrete road cover on the bridge in December of this year and 28 days later we might be able to use the bridge:

Paklai bridge to be earthquake resistant

Construction workers on Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge being built across the Mekong River to link the provinces of Xayaboury and Vientiane took many months to complete the underwater pylons supporting the bridge. Project management has confirmed that those pylons have been built to the required engineering standards and will be earthquake proof.

Workers on the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge or Paklaibridge crossing the Mekong River also took many months to build the bridge approaches on each side of the steel truss bridge. The project manager in charge of construction, MrBouaviengChampaphan, told Vientiane Times on Tuesday that the structure of the main bridge has now linked the two sides of the river after 20 months of delays. The Paklaibridge has been erected in a quite deep section of the Mekong valley, so it was necessary to build 64 pylons under the water to support the bridge structure and make it earthquake proof. The cost of construction of the pylons under the ground and the road approach to the bridge was about 129 billion kip. The bridge itself is made of steel but in December a concrete road surface will be added to the deck.

Mr. Bouavieng added that motorists will be able to use the bridge across the river after the concrete has been paved for 28 days because that's a standard to ensure concrete strength. The bridge will be able to carry trucks weighing up to 80 tonnes, however, Lao law prohibits a truck weighing such an amount to travel on associated roads and bridges linking to the bridge.

The total cost of bridge construction is about 189 billion kip, with the Netherlands government providing grant aid totaling some 2.3 million euros (over 20 billion kip) towards the construction of the bridge. The remainder of the funds came from the Lao government. At 365 metres, this will be the longest metal bridge in Laos. The Thangon Bridge that crosses the Nam Ngum River in Vientiane is the second longest metal bridge.

Source: Vientiane Times - (Latest Update October 12, 2016)




December 2012


December 2015


February 2016


August 2015

People take part in a ritual ceremony after the construction of the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge connecting the two banks of the Mekong River between the provinces of Xayaboury and Vientiane - 9 October 2016.

 

[Roughroads]

Development is going through the roof in Asia!!! some great pics and a good read

 

[Lone Rider]

Mekong Bridge from Luang Prabang District to Chomphet District

The construction of a bridge over the Mekong between Luang Prabang District and Chomphet District has been postponed until next year due to a shortage of funds and a late survey. The bridge is designed to be 1200 meters long and 12 meters wide crossing the Mekong at Ban Don-Mai to Ban Muangkham in Chomphet district. Upon completion (expected in 2020), the bridge will link Rd 4B in Chomphet district to Rd 13N near the Souvannaphong University north of the airport.

Source: KPL newspaper 14 January 2015

Note LR: The construction of the bridge might be delayed further considering the shortage of funds even before the work for the survey and construction has started.

Luang Prabang awaits decision on Mekong railway bridge

A Chinese construction company will soon visit Luang Prabang to decide on suitable locations for a railway bridge across the Mekong River and a port that will be used to handle the construction materials needed to build the railway. The railway bridge is part of the planned 427-km Laos-China railway that will run from the Chinese border to Vientiane. The construction company and provincial authorities will look at possible sites for the bridge and the port, which will receive construction equipment shipped in by river.

A provincial official, who asked not to be named, told Vientiane Times on Thursday "The railway bridge may be built in the town of Luang Prabang, not far from a new bridge that will be built across the Mekong to link the town to Chomphet district." This site is not thought to be within the Luang Prabang World Heritage Site, for which a preservation order exists. The provincial Public Works and Transport Department and provincial Natural Resources and Environment Department will consider whether the sites proposed by the construction company are suitable. It is not known when construction of either the bridge or the port would begin as the Chinese company has not yet supplied any details.

Source: Vientiane Tines (Latest Update November 11, 2016)

 

[Lone Rider]

December 2015 has gone and we are close to December 2016 and according to the Vientiane Times of today, they will put the concrete road cover on the bridge in December of this year and 28 days later we might be able to use the bridge:

Paklai bridge to be earthquake resistant

Construction workers on Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge being built across the Mekong River to link the provinces of Xayaboury and Vientiane took many months to complete the underwater pylons supporting the bridge. Project management has confirmed that those pylons have been built to the required engineering standards and will be earthquake proof.

Workers on the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge or Paklaibridge crossing the Mekong River also took many months to build the bridge approaches on each side of the steel truss bridge. The project manager in charge of construction, MrBouaviengChampaphan, told Vientiane Times on Tuesday that the structure of the main bridge has now linked the two sides of the river after 20 months of delays. The Paklaibridge has been erected in a quite deep section of the Mekong valley, so it was necessary to build 64 pylons under the water to support the bridge structure and make it earthquake proof. The cost of construction of the pylons under the ground and the road approach to the bridge was about 129 billion kip. The bridge itself is made of steel but in December a concrete road surface will be added to the deck.

Mr. Bouavieng added that motorists will be able to use the bridge across the river after the concrete has been paved for 28 days because that's a standard to ensure concrete strength. The bridge will be able to carry trucks weighing up to 80 tonnes, however, Lao law prohibits a truck weighing such an amount to travel on associated roads and bridges linking to the bridge.

The total cost of bridge construction is about 189 billion kip, with the Netherlands government providing grant aid totaling some 2.3 million euros (over 20 billion kip) towards the construction of the bridge. The remainder of the funds came from the Lao government. At 365 metres, this will be the longest metal bridge in Laos. The Thangon Bridge that crosses the Nam Ngum River in Vientiane is the second longest metal bridge.

Source: Vientiane Times - (Latest Update October 12, 2016)



View attachment 47573
December 2012

View attachment 47572
December 2015

View attachment 47574
February 2016

View attachment 47571
August 2015

People take part in a ritual ceremony after the construction of the Nasak-Khokkhaodor Bridge connecting the two banks of the Mekong River between the provinces of Xayaboury and Vientiane - 9 October 2016.

Another trip and another look at the bridge - it is becoming a multi-national undertaking with a Lao contractor to build the bridge, the Netherlands funding the bridge, the Chinese constructing the metal bridge structure and now a Vietnamese company hired by the Lao contractor to finish the bridge.

The Vietnamese engineer I met at the bridge indicated that the bridge could be ready for use in about 2 months.

Installing the base for the bridge surface

 

[blackwolf]

That's very interesting, thanks Lonerider. I was a little confused about who was building the Paklai bridge because back in 2015 when I first traveled that way I also met a Vietnamese engineer (somewhat older guy to the one you took a picture of) who showed me the way to the ferry and thus assumed this is a Vietnamese project. It however appears that the Vietnamese are only finishing the project, they didn't construct the metal structure.

Anyway, I passed the bridge just last month on my way to Luang Prabang - to me it still looks like it will take a while before it can be opened to traffic, 2 months seems a bit optimistic but let's see! While the ferry was "romantic", it's cost at 35,000 Kip for a large vehicle (less for a motorcycle) and the wasted time waiting for the ferry, getting on and off is not going to be missed.

No work done at all on the approaches to the bridge, including the proposed roundabout and traffic island as per the artist's depiction posted back in 2014. Also, the last time I traveled the road down to Xanakham and Vientiane back in March of last year, the section from the other side of the bridge all the way to the start of the 62km section of new road to Vientiane along the Mekong built by a Thai contractor was still horrendous. The first section to Xanakham is narrow, winding, has steep sections and potholes in places, while the section past Xanakham although much wider is very bumpy, lots of potholes and completely unsurfaced, very dusty during the dry season.

 

[Lone Rider]

Paklai Bridge to Open in April

The Paklai Bridge, spanning the Mekong as the longest steel truss bridge in the country (365 m), will be open for public use by the celebration of the Lao New Year in April, according to relevant officials. The total cost of the bridge construction is about 189 billion kip (about US$23.1 million) with the Netherlands' government providing grant aid totaling 2.3 million Euros (over 20 billion kip) towards the construction. The bridge will be able to support 80-tonne trucks; however, Lao law prohibits trucks weighing such an amount to travel on associated roads and bridges.

If well maintained, the Paklai Bridge should last up to 60 years. The project manager in charge of construction, Mr. Bouavieng Champaphan has said that the structure of the main bridge has now linked the two sides of the river after 20 months of delays. It connects Nasak village in Paklai, Xayaboury Province, to Khokkhaodor village in Xanakham, Vientiane Province, and is the third bridge linking Xayaboury with neighbouring provinces. The Paklai Bridge will ease travel from Loei Province of Thailand to Vientiane via Road No. 4 in Xayaboury Province and Road No. 11. Vientiane is 204 km from the Paklai Bridge, which can be reached via Road No. 11.

Source: Paklai Bridge