Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, Road bridge in Mukdahan, Thailand and Savannakhet, Laos
The Second Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge extends 1600 meters across the Mekong River and links Thailand to Laos via two traffic lanes on concrete box girders. The construction uses prestressed concrete and carries the roadway high above the riverbed while customs stations on both banks control international traffic.
Construction started in March 2004 and finished in December 2006, funded through a loan from Japan. Completion opened a direct road connection between both banks and removed the earlier reliance on ferries.
The structure carries the name of friendship between both nations and displays bilingual signage showing the official connection between neighbors. People from the region cross daily for shopping, work or family visits and use the border checkpoints at both ends.
Drivers switch from left-hand traffic on the Thai side to right-hand traffic when entering Laotian territory, with the change taking place directly on the span. Border processing at each end may cause delays, so travelers should allow enough time for formalities.
The roadway changes traffic direction on the span itself, so drivers switch from one side to the other during crossing. This feature makes it one of the few border crossings worldwide where the change happens midway through the structure.
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