Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge

The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge (Thai: สะพานมิตรภาพ ไทย-ลาว แห่งที่ 2, Thai pronunciation: [sàpʰaːn míttràpʰâːp tʰaj laːw hɛ̀ŋ tʰîː sɔ̌ːŋ]; Lao: ຂົວມິດຕະພາບ ລາວ-ໄທ ແຫ່ງທີສອງ) over the Mekong connects Mukdahan Province in Thailand with Savannakhet in Laos. The bridge is 1600 meters (1.0 mi) long and 12 meters (39 ft) wide, with two traffic lanes.[1]

Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge

สะพานมิตรภาพ ไทย-ลาว แห่งที่ ๒
ຂົວມິດຕະພາບ ລາວ-ໄທ ແຫ່ງທີສອງ
Coordinates 16°36′04″N 104°44′09″E
CarriesMotor vehicles
CrossesMekong River, Thai-Lao Border
LocaleMukdahan, Mukdahan Province
Savannakhet, Savannakhet Province
Official nameSecond Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
Characteristics
Designbox girder bridge
Total length1600 m
Width12 m
History
OpenedJanuary 9, 2007
Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, seen from Mukdahan
Change from left to right hand drive
Checkpoint near the bridge (Thai side)

Traffic on the bridge drives on the right, as in Laos, while traffic in Thailand drives on the left; the change-over is on the Thai side.

History
Box girder sections being constructed, and a completed box girder span almost completed on left of photo

Bridge construction began on March 21, 2004. Supports and spans were constructed on shore, then moved out onto pylons in the river by crane.

The total cost was about 2.5 billion baht (US$70 million), funded largely by a Japanese loan. An official opening ceremony was held on December 19, 2006, although the bridge only opened to the general public on January 9, 2007.

Pylons being constructed, as seen from shore
Project sign

See also

References
  1. People's Daily, 2nd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge officially opens, December 20, 2006


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