Bridge over troubled water: BMA’s Bangkok river crossing race
Bangkok’s city planners are racing against the clock to complete the much-anticipated Kiakkai Bridge over the Chao Phraya River by 2026. This ambitious project is set to transform commuting across the bustling city, offering a smoother journey over the river.
BMA Public Works Department chief Tawatchai Napasaksri dished out details on the various bridge projects currently weaving through the cityscape. As part of Bangkok’s grand master plan for river crossings, the Kiakkai Bridge near the Dusit district is stealing the limelight.
The project is unfolding in three vigorous phases. The first involves building an elevated road and thoroughfare on the Thon Buri side. Although foundation work is underway, delays in land acquisition have slowed progress, with completion now expected by next November.
Next up is phase two, focusing on the bridge’s main body and access ramps. Currently ticking along at 33.2% completion, it’s on track to finish by December next year. To aid construction, a tower crane is being assembled for segmental bridge and pier head work.
The final phase, pending Cabinet’s budget nod, will see an elevated road stretch from the river to the Saphan Daeng intersection on the Phra Nakhon side.
However, the BMA is not resting on its laurels. Responding to the nixing of other bridge projects, such as Chan to Charoen Nakhon and Lat Ya to Maha Phruttharam, due to feasibility snags, they’re hunting for solutions to untangle traffic woes, reported Bangkok Post.
The Chan–Charoen Nakhon Bridge hit a snag due to environmental concerns. Meanwhile, the Lat Ya–Maha Phruttharam project floundered due to high-rise buildings, public infrastructure, and historical sites like Wat Thong Noppakhun, sparking public outcry and halting progress.
As the BMA pushes forward, the race is on to not only build a bridge but to cross the hurdles standing in the way of Bangkok’s smoother commuting future.
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