The Overseas Cambodia Investment Corporation (OCIC) and Phnom Penh municipality are cooperating to undertake a study on major new projects for the city – two flyovers and a subway, each of which it is hoped would ease the city’s ever worsening traffic congestion.

Touch Samnang, project manager at OCIC, said his company and the municipal authorities were currently examining the feasibility of the two flyovers. He said the first one would be at the intersection of Mao Tse-tung and Russian boulevards (close to the Institute of Technology of Cambodia) and the second would be at the intersection of Hanoi Road and Russian Boulevard.

Samnang said the subway under consideration would run from the intersection of Monivong and Russian boulevards to Street 114.

The studies are still in the preliminary phases, and a blueprint has only been drafted for one of the flyovers so far.

“The first blueprint is similar to the Stung Meanchey flyover project, but not as complex,” said Samnang, who added that the flyover at Mao Tse-tung and Russian boulevards would be prioritised and built first.

He said it was expected that the first flyover would cost much less than Stung Meanchey Bridge at about $10 million, while the subway would cost just $3 million to $4 million because, according to the current plan, it would only extend 300 metres.

The budget for the flyover and subway projects was anticipated to come from leasing government land in Chroy Changvar, he added.

Meanwhile, Phnom Penh Municipal Hall spokesman Long Dimanche said the municipality was studying both the projects but had yet put a proposal to the government because further study of the effects was required. He added that the budget needed to be examined further before a formal proposal was submitted.

“I can’t say when construction will get under way, but we want to act soon to alleviate the traffic congestion,” he said.

Sam Piseth, head of the Department of Public Works and Transport, could not be reached for comment.

The proposed flyovers would be the fourth and fifth flyovers in greater Phnom Penh.

Stung Meanchey Bridge, the city’s third flyover, saw investment of $19 million, the 7 Makara Bridge involved an investment of $8 million and was inaugurated in January 2012, while the Kbal Thnol Bridge saw investment of $6 million before being inaugurated for use in June 2010.

Po Eavkong, managing director of Asia Real Estate Cambodia said increased infrastructure development in Phnom Penh would lead to many positive outcomes, including ease of travel and improved economic growth. He also noted that improved infrastructure would be good for property values.

“Building overpasses and a subway will not only help transform the landscape of the city, but will also help commercial areas better connect to each other and assist people in saving money and time getting around the city,” he said.