The project to build a road and bridge over the Xekaman River in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province, according to a report by Pathetlao Daily.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday, presided over by Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmani, governor of Attapeu province. The total length of the road and bridge between Ban Vangxay and Ban Nong Khai Ak near the Lao-Vietnam border will be 135 kilometers, the provincial Department of Public Works and Transport said.
The construction cost is estimated at 149 million USD, and will be carried out over the next three years until September 2028. The contractor hired for the project has previously built three other small roads in the same area.
The Ban Souksavang Xekaman River Bridge will be 165 meters long and can carry up to 10 tons of weight.
After the project is completed, the contractor will collect tolls for the next 50 years as agreed with the Attapeu Provincial Administration. At that time, ownership of the project will be transferred to the Attapeu Provincial Administration.
The construction of roads and bridges is an important part of the provincial development plan 2025-2030, which aims to upgrade transportation and improve the transportation of goods, including agricultural and mineral exports, as well as promote tourism. The new road will strengthen connectivity between neighboring provinces in Laos and Vietnam. The Vang Tat border crossing is also expected to be upgraded in the future.
