PHUKET: Construction of Phuket's Central Festival underpass is expected to begin later this month with alternative routes proposed, a public meeting heard today.
The meeting was the last hurdle before the 600 million baht project gets underway - literally - with the aim of relieving congestion at one of Phuket's most important intersections.
It's the first time traffic has deviated from ground-level on Phuket and yet another indication that Phuket is rapidly becoming an urbanised ''Phuket City.''
The big dig is not expected to close the bypass road completely but Phuket police and Phuket Highways Department officials are suggesting that motorists consider alternative routes to make sure they are not delayed.
The 850-metre project will overlap with the second big 700 million baht project at the Tesco Lotus intersection, about two kilometres up the bypass road.
The Central Festival underpass is expected to be complete in 2014. Work on the Tesco-Lotus project is to begin in 2013.
About 40 representatives from schools, resorts, retail outlets and Tungthong Police Station attended today's meeting at Vichit District Council offices.
The map shows alternative routes being suggested to avoid congestion.
Traffic heading south along the bypass - Chalermprakiat Road - to southern Phuket is advised to turn left at Tesco-Lotus and take Yaowarat Road through Phuket City before swinging right at Bangkok Road then into Virat Hongyok Road and left to return the journey south in Chaofa Road West.
An alternative for traffic heading north takes the same route, although officials appear to be suggesting it mostly at this stage for southbound traffic.
The meeting was the last hurdle before the 600 million baht project gets underway - literally - with the aim of relieving congestion at one of Phuket's most important intersections.
It's the first time traffic has deviated from ground-level on Phuket and yet another indication that Phuket is rapidly becoming an urbanised ''Phuket City.''
The big dig is not expected to close the bypass road completely but Phuket police and Phuket Highways Department officials are suggesting that motorists consider alternative routes to make sure they are not delayed.
The 850-metre project will overlap with the second big 700 million baht project at the Tesco Lotus intersection, about two kilometres up the bypass road.
The Central Festival underpass is expected to be complete in 2014. Work on the Tesco-Lotus project is to begin in 2013.
About 40 representatives from schools, resorts, retail outlets and Tungthong Police Station attended today's meeting at Vichit District Council offices.
The map shows alternative routes being suggested to avoid congestion.
Traffic heading south along the bypass - Chalermprakiat Road - to southern Phuket is advised to turn left at Tesco-Lotus and take Yaowarat Road through Phuket City before swinging right at Bangkok Road then into Virat Hongyok Road and left to return the journey south in Chaofa Road West.
An alternative for traffic heading north takes the same route, although officials appear to be suggesting it mostly at this stage for southbound traffic.
"Phuket police and Phuket Highways Department officials are suggesting that motorists consider alternative routes to make sure they are not delayed."
Yes, I'm sure that will 'make sure I am not delayed'. The fact is that we will all be severely delayed and no assurance from police or officials will change that.
Posted by Sam W on September 18, 2012 15:56