VIENTIANE, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, linking Bolikhamxay province in Laos to Thailand's northeastern province of Bueng Kan, will open to the public on Dec. 25, boosting trade, transport, tourism, and socio-economic cooperation between the two countries.
Officials reported that construction has been fully completed, with final preparations underway to test operational systems, including vehicle scanning, document registration, and other service facilities, according to the Lao News Agency on Wednesday.
The bridge spans 1,350 meters across the Mekong River, with 535 meters on the Lao side and 815 meters on the Thai side. Measuring 17.4 meters in width, it features two traffic lanes, a central median, and pedestrian walkways on both sides. The overland sections are built with pre-stressed concrete beams, while the central span uses a cable-stayed design.
Once operational, the bridge is expected to enhance cross-border transport, trade, and people-to-people connectivity between Laos and Thailand. ■
