PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has decided to close all entrances to the expressway and stop allowing vehicles to use the road, in order to save time during construction and avoid accidents on the road.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 12 July, the MPWT confirmed that the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway is still under construction, and has not yet been fully-equipped with traffic safety equipment. Additionally, the number of people using this road before its total completion has increased, causing frequent accidents.

To avoid further accidents and to allow the construction company more time to complete the road, the Ministry has decided to stop all vehicles from accessing the expressway until it is completed.

The letter issued by the ministry states, "The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) has ordered the construction company to close all entrances and exits without allowing all types of vehicles to access the expressway, except for vehicles serving the project, and vehicles with the required permits from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport from the time of this announcement.”

The decision of the Ministry comes after a series of accidents occurred on the expressway.

On Monday, two cars driving on the expressway collided at Ou commune, Phnom Sruoch district, Kampong Speu province, causing six people, including four foreigners, to be sent to the hospital with both serious and minor injuries.

The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway Project is the first expressway project in Cambodia, and the most crucial strategic corridor project for the country. The expressway reduces the travel time from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville Port from five hours to just two hours, also helping to reduce the cost of logistics. According to the expressway’s plans, the Ministry planned to put it into temporary use in early July, but postponed this due to the need to complete installing safety equipment.