Highway expansion boosts Bangkok-eastern Thailand connection

Highway 3481, a vital route connecting Bangkok to eastern provinces such as Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri, has undergone a significant upgrade. The road has been expanded from two lanes to four, a development aimed at easing transport between the bustling capital and the eastern regions.

This expansion, executed by the Department of Highways, is set to enhance travel within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. The improvement specifically affects an 11.8-kilometre stretch in Prachin Buri, from Ban Hua Pai village to Prachin Buri Community Housing, which now accommodates four lanes to better handle traffic flow.

The expansion was deemed crucial for managing increasing traffic volumes and ensuring safer and more efficient transportation in the area.

Additional infrastructure upgrades, including raised medians, concrete median barriers, new lighting, and traffic signals, are anticipated to be well-received by both local commuters and regional logistics operators.

In a related development, the government is addressing delays in the high-speed rail project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. This project, integral to the EEC’s infrastructure, is currently five years behind schedule. The final approval from the Cabinet is expected by the end of this year, allowing construction to commence early next year. Operations are projected to begin in 2029 or 2030 at the earliest.

Initially, the contract for this project was awarded in 2019 to the Asia Era One consortium, led by the Charoen Pokphand Group. However, the Covid-19 pandemic stalled progress for nearly three years.

The contract is undergoing revisions, which include updates to the payment structures for public investment and a revenue-sharing model. Before moving forward, the revised contract requires a review by the Office of the Attorney General, anticipated to be completed within 30 days, reported Bangkok Post.