The crossing of the Tonle Bassac River is also known as the Fourth Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge. Since 2004, China has provided loans, totally amounting to around US$800 million to restore and construct roads and bridges in Cambodia.

Travel between the two banks of the river is currently dependent on ferries or a 20km road route.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, it was also announced that work will start on 2 November to build the 725m-long Chroy Changva Bridge.