PHNOM PENH (ANN/THE PHNOM PENH POST) – A significant milestone in the preservation and accessibility of Cambodia’s cultural treasure, the Spean Harl Bridge, at the heart of the Angkor Wat Temple complex, is poised to make its grand return in early November.
A dedicated team of restoration experts has been tirelessly working to reinforce this historic bridge, implementing essential safety measures to accommodate the influx of eager tourists keen to traverse it on their journey to the ancient temple.
Anticipation is mounting in the tourism sector as industry experts foresee a surge in visitors to this iconic site once the bridge reopens its gates.
Long Kosal, spokesman for the APSARA National Authority (ANA), explained on October 16 that the bridge had been closed to the public as it was very old, the paving stones were no longer all level and the foundations were extensively damaged.
The ANA instructed a repair team to strengthen the foundations. They made several structural improvements and ensured that the surface of the bridge was even flatter to enable the ease of walking of visitors.
“We have also built guardrails to guarantee their safety. We were afraid that they may become too enthralled by the beauty of Angkor Wat and forget to watch their step. We need to make sure everything is ready before we officially open it to the public,” said Kosal.
After construction of the bridge is completed, tourists will be able to walk directly to the front of Angkor Wat.
Koal explained the extraordinary fact that the reopening would mean that people living in the 21st century would be able to walk on the same bridge used by the people of the 11th century.
Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA) president Chhay Sivlin believed the reopening of the bridge will enable more visitors – both domestic and international – to appreciate the unique beauty and scenery of Angkor Wat from a completely new perspective.
“When this bridge is open, it will attract more domestic and international tourists. Thanks to the extensive work, there are no safety concerns about the age of the bridge,” she said.
The first phase of the bridge repair project began in 1996, through cooperation between Japan’s Sofia University and the ANA, and was completed in 2007.
The temporary floating bridge was completed in 2017, and can hold more than 6,000 people.
