The new shortcut section of National Road 23 extends for 19.83 kilometres in Kandal province. It starts at kilometre marker 34+400 at the foot of Koh Thom Bridge in Chroy Takeo commune, passes through Leuk Dek commune in Koh Thom district and reaches Peam Reang commune in Leuk Dek district, connecting with National Road 14 at marker 54+233.
The official inauguration took place on the morning of April 27, 2026, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth. The newly built roadway is 11 metres wide, with an eight-centimetre asphalt-concrete surface and two traffic lanes accommodating vehicles and motorcycles travelling in opposite directions.
The project included three bridges with a combined length of 116.40 metres, 48 cross-road culverts and eight roadside drainage culverts, the latter totalling 2,342 metres. It also provided 80 solar-powered LED streetlights, traffic signs, road markings, kilometre markers and safety posts.
A roundabout was built at the junction descending from Koh Thom Bridge to guide traffic and improve road safety. Construction on the section began on June 20, 2023. By Pai Sokhim
