First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, International bridge in Vientiane, Laos.
The First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge crosses the Mekong River between Nong Khai Province in Thailand and Vientiane Prefecture in Laos, stretching across 1170 meters (3839 feet) of water. It carries two vehicle lanes, two pedestrian walkways, and a railway track down the center, all running side by side over the river.
Opened on 8 April 1994 by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and Lao President Nouhak Phoumsavanh, the bridge was funded by Australia with about A$42 million in development aid. Australian firms designed and built it, with the balanced cantilever concept proposed by Bruce Ramsay of VSL and the final design by Maunsell; John Holland was the builder. It was the first bridge across the lower Mekong.
The bridge marks the transition between left-side driving in Thailand and right-side driving in Laos, reflecting the distinct traffic patterns of both nations.
Traffic keeps left on the Thai side and switches to the right at the Lao end, just before the Lao border post, where traffic lights control the changeover. A shuttle bus links the Thai and Lao border posts, and bicycles and tricycles may use either the road or the footpath. Road traffic is stopped whenever a train crosses the central rail line.
The metre-gauge rail line along the central reservation was extended from Nong Khai to Thanaleng station in Laos, about 3.5 km beyond the bridge; test trains ran in July 2008 and the link was formally inaugurated on 5 March 2009. Pedestrians may walk on the footpaths and bicycles may use the road or footpath.
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