CONSTRUCTION has begun for the historic Sungai Brunei bridge, a 607-metre link that will span the water village to connect Jalan Residency in Bandar with Kg Sungai Kebun in Lumapas.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the project site on Jalan Residency yesterday, graced by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.

The $139 million project - spearheaded by Korean firm Daelim Industrial - will be completed by 2016, easing traffic woes for thousands of commuters from Mukim Lumapas.

The Brunei Times