Rama II Road projects set for full launch by June next year

Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Juengrungreangkit announced a firm deadline for three ongoing construction projects on Rama II Road, setting their full launch by June next year.

Suriya addressed the media yesterday, detailing the status of the projects on Highway 35, commonly known as Rama II Road, which serves as a crucial link between Bangkok and the southern provinces of Thailand.

The projects include the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Expressway, the Bang Khunthian-Ekkachai road construction, and the Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo motorway section.

The Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Expressway project, overseen by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), is currently 80% complete. It is on track to be operational by June next year.

The construction of the Thotsamarachan Bridge, which parallels the Rama IX Bridge, is already finished and expected to open later this year. This project is divided into three contracts: the first is 70% complete, the second 89% complete, and the third 76% complete.

The 8.3-kilometre elevated road project on Highway 35 (Bang Khunthian-Ekkachai), managed by the Department of Highways (DoH), is set for completion by November. This project is divided into three sections, with the first now 96% complete, the second 93% complete, and the third 96% complete. A trial opening of a 4-kilometre section between Phanthai Norasing and Mahachai tolls is planned towards the end of this year.

Lastly, Motorway No. 82, covering a 16.3-kilometre stretch from Ekkachai to Ban Phaeo, is also slated for completion by June next year, with the entire route expected to be fully operational by 2027. Construction progress varies across the 10 sections of the motorway, ranging from 35% to 82% complete, reported Bangkok Post.

The ministry has instructed both Exat and the DoH to provide monthly updates on the construction progress and to adhere strictly to safety standards to prevent any accidents during the construction phase. Upon completion, these projects are anticipated to significantly enhance travel convenience and traffic flow on Rama II Road.