PHNOM PENH: The ballet steel bridge in Russey Keo commune reopened at 5 pm on Sunday, 4 December, after completing renovation.

The director of the Phnom Penh Department of Public Works and Transport, Sam Piseth, confirmed to EAC News that the steel ballet bridge would open for normal traffic on Sunday evening to reduce traffic congestion on the Chroy Changvar bridge.

The bridge’s use was previously suspended since 20 November 2022 due to a sand dredger ferry crashing into it while crossing from the riverside where the Royal Palace is located. The sand dredger had initially passed the bridge and gone about 200 meters, but strong winds and an engine failure caused the ferry to turn and hit the bridge, causing three of its pillars to tilt.

According to the director of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Phnom Penh, the ferry is currently being towed by experts.

"We are pulling the ferry, but it cannot be pulled quickly," he said.