MOT plans bridge construction linking Thailand and Laos

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The Ministry of Transport (MoT) of Thailand will conduct a feasibility and design study for the construction of a new bridge across the Mekong River linking the country with Laos. The second Thailand-Laos friendship bridge linking Nong Khai with Vientiane will be constructed under the third phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail (HSR) project. The bridge will accommodate both rail and road transport. The design study, which is expected to cost THB140 million, will be undertaken by the Department of Highways (DOH). Feasibility studies will take 12 months to complete. Additionally, construction of the bridge and auxiliary roads are estimated to cost around THB4 billion, and the cost will be divided between the Governments of Thailand and Laos. The entire bridge project is scheduled to be completed before 2028 when the second phase of the high-speed train project opens for service.