Department of Highways halts roadworks to ease traffic conditions over New Year
Transport Minister Saksyam Chidchob has ordered Department of Highways to ease the tailbacks faced by motorists heading home over the New Year holidays by asking contractors to temporarily halt their construction of roads and reopen lanes.
“Furthermore, the department must make sure that traffic signs, gates, flashing and illuminating lights are installed and function properly at all times,” he said. “We will focus mainly on main highways that will be packed with travellers, including Asia, Phaholyothin and Mittraphap roads that lead to the North and Northeast regions, and Rama II Road that lead to Southern region.”
Road constructions on main highways that will be temporarily suspended are as follows:
1. Construction of Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway along Mittraphap Road
2. Construction of Bang Pa-In elevated intersection leading to Saraburi province
3. Construction of U-turn bridges on Phaholyothin Road km.79 - 80 (Nong Khae) and 90 – 104 (Saraburi)
4. Construction of U-turn bridges on Mittraphap Road km. 37+500 and 39+000 (Klang Dong)
5. Road expansion project on Rama II Road at Bang Khuntien-Ekachai intersection; all 10 closed traffic lanes to be restored and lights installed.
Department of Highways director-general Sarawut Songwilai added that the department has also prepared bypass routes for Rama II Road to alleviate traffic congestion. “These routes are Phetkasem-Setthakij Road that will merge into Rama II Road at Samut Sakhon elevated intersection, and Ekacai-Bangbon Road that will merge into Rama II Road at Km 21 (Mahachai Muang Mai),” he said. “Alternately, travellers heading to the Southern region can use Phetkasem Road leading to Photharam district in Ratchaburi province, which is a convenient gateway to the South.”
For assistance or more information, call the DOH hotline at 1586, which is available 24/7.