Phuket: 80 million baht study for new Sarasin Bridge underway

A feasibility study amounting to 80 million baht is currently in progress for the new Sarasin Bridge project, confirmed Somkid Kittisopit, the new Director of the Phuket Highways Office.

Somkid revealed the update during a meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday. He provided updates on five major transportation projects intended to enhance travel efficiency, reduce congestion, and support the economic and social development of Phuket, according to an official report.

The new Sarasin Bridge project is a significant element of the MR9 network, Phase 2, connecting Phang Nga to Phuket. The bridge will span from Takua Thung district in Phang Nga to Thalang district in Phuket, linking Highway No. 4 in Mueang Phang Nga district with an expressway project that will eventually connect Mueang Mai, Koh Kaew, and Kathu.

Additionally, the bridge will feature a new dual-track railway, completing the northern section of the long-awaited light rail mass transit system.

Somkid outlined the primary goals of the new Sarasin Bridge as improving access to Phuket, alleviating traffic congestion, and providing a safer and more convenient route for drivers. Moreover, the project aims to integrate the bridge into Phuket’s broader transportation network, facilitate economic growth by improving access to key areas, and enable large vessels to navigate the Chong Pak Phra channel more easily, thereby supporting maritime activities.

The MR9 project falls under the Department of Highways’ MR-MAP plan for 10 motorway-railway routes to be developed nationwide through a five-year strategy funded with a budget of 457 billion baht, said Somkid.

“The aim is to improve road area management, reduce the need for land expropriation, and minimise community disruption while enhancing travel convenience and flexibility.”

Somkid also provided updates on other transportation projects:

Heroines Underpass

The project passed its first Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on August 11 last year and a second on December 21 The EIA Report Committee has reviewed and received feedback and is now reporting to the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP).

Coordination is ongoing with various agencies, including the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Provincial Waterworks Authority. The land, buildings, and trees principles were approved in a meeting on May 30, with payments expected by the end of last month. The Budget Bureau has approved an additional budget of 2.38 billion baht, with the debt period extended to the 2024-2027 budget cycle.

Route 4027 Expansion (through Pa Khlok)

The Route 4027 expansion project, covering the Baan Para to Baan Muang Mai section, has been allocated a budget of 650 million baht for 2024, with a construction distance of 4.55 kilometres. The section from the Heroines Monument to Baan Para has already been expanded to a four-lane road. The e-bidding process started on June 14, and the contractor search is complete, with the contract expected to be signed early this month.

New Road to Phuket Airport

A new road connecting Mueang Mai to the Phuket Airport Intersection has a budget of 1.3 billion baht, covering a distance of 1.95 kilometres. This route reduces traffic on Thepkrasattri Road and enhances travel speed and safety. The detailed design and EIA were completed and approved in 2021, with a draft Royal Decree submitted on May 21. Coordination is ongoing to secure a construction budget for 2025.

Pa Khlok – Bang Khu Highway Development Study

A study, with a budget of 20 million baht, is assessing the economic, engineering, and environmental impacts of developing a new highway network between Pa Khlok and Bang Khu. The proposed highway will provide a more direct connection southbound from Route 4027, bypassing heavily congested areas. The study, funded for 2024 and expected to take 12 months, is in progress.

Until now, local officials have provided limited information about the new Sarasin Bridge project, reported Phuket News.