FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Traffic chaos as Ratchayothin overpass closed for one-week trial

Traffic chaos as Ratchayothin overpass closed for one-week trial

THERE WAS heavy traffic congestion at the Ratchayothin Intersection in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district yesterday morning after its soon-to-be-demolished overpass was closed on a trial basis until Tuesday.

With the BTS Green Line project set to extend its route past this area, the overpass will be replaced by an underpass.
Amid the traffic jams, a large number of |commuters, including students and office |workers, resorted to travelling on foot, using |motorcycle taxis or shifting to other transport |services.
Many motorists were reported to have made U-turns to use Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road instead of passing through the intersection.
Lines of cars were stuck for hours on inbound Paholyothin Road, while a tailback on Ratchayothin Intersection reached as far as the Wongwian |Bang Khen. Vehicles on the outbound Paholyothin Road flowed more freely, although at a slower |pace. 
There was also heavy congestion on the inbound Lat Phrao Road while the whole length of Soi Lat Phrao 48 was jammed with traffic. There was a knock-on effect in connecting streets such as Seri Thai and Srinakarin.
Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan, meanwhile, said that the seven-day closure of Ratchayothin Intersection overpass was to allow people to adjust their travelling routines and avoid congestion before the structure is |eventually demolished.
He said officials would assess the situation after December 6 and proceed accordingly. 
“I again confirm that we must demolish the |overpass because we also have to think of the Green Line project construction and other factors. If I had a hammer, the overpass would be brought down on December 6,” he said.

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