Phnom Penh: The 87 kilometre-long section of National Road 5, linking Battambang and Banteay Meanchey is virtually complete. The update was shared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, after Monday’s inspection visit by Secretary of State in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Tauch Chankosal, and Japan’s ambassador to Cambodia, Mr. Mikami Masahiro. The road is being built with a $500-million grant from Japan.

In announcing the update, JICA said, “We would like to express our gratitude for the understanding of Cambodian people during the construction and request the public to respect the traffic laws for everyone’s safety.”

The National Road 5 Improvement Project covers a total length of 366 kilometres and will connect Phnom Penh with the northwestern parts of the country, passing through Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, Battambang and Banteay Meanchey. The stretch of dual carriageway linking Phnom Penh to Battambang is reportedly 50% complete.

National Road 5 forms a major part of the ASEAN Highway Project that will eventually link Phnom Penh by direct highway to Thailand, as well as to Vietnam.