The Thai Highways Department has confirmed that construction of the sixth Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge will begin in 2029, following financial negotiations and design improvements on the Lao side.
A source at the Thai Highways Department said that progress on the new bridge connecting Ubon Ratchathani to Salavan in Laos has moved forward after the project design was revised. The total investment budget is 5.22 billion baht.
Lao authorities have revised the design of the road connecting the bridge to Highway 13, expanding it from two lanes to four lanes in both directions to accommodate the higher traffic volume when the bridge opens.
The intersection with Highway 13 will also be redesigned as a roundabout, which will require further impact studies, particularly regarding additional land acquisition.
Laos has also requested financial assistance from Thailand for part of the main Mekong River bridge work, which is expected to cost 185 million baht.
The Lao side is currently finalizing the budget and plans to seek a loan from the Neighboring Economic Development Association (Neda).
Once the financial agreement is reached, the department will seek budget allocation under the 2028 budget before submitting the project to the cabinet.
Bidding and contract signing are expected to follow soon, allowing work to begin in 2029. The project is expected to take about three years, with completion and opening in 2031.
The budget includes 5.06 billion baht for construction and 165 million baht for project supervision.
The bridge will be 1.6 kilometers long with two lanes, connecting Thailand’s Highway 2112 in Nathon District with Laos’ Highway 13 in Lakhone Pheng District.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to strengthen the transport connection between Ubon Ratchathani and Salavan, and support cross-border trade.