B39.7m approved for “Patong Tunnel’ study

PATONG: Patong Municipality’s recently approved 271-million-baht budget for fiscal year 2009 includes 40 million baht to conduct a detailed study into the possible construction of a tunnel to connect the town with Tambon Kathu.

Thanin Attasup, President of the Patong Municipal Council, stated that the recently-held third ordinary meeting of the council for 2008 was attended by Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, his fellow executives and civil servants.

The council approved a motion to finance a detailed study into constructing a new road link to Kathu. The study will assess a variety of approaches to improving road access to Patong, including construction of a tunnel and a bridging-support system that would allow the existing road to be widened. Construction of a tunnel connecting the two locales has long been championed by Mayor Pian, who is now in his second term.

The study would cover feasibility and engineering aspects of such a project, assess possible environment impacts, and gauge opinion though a series of public hearings. The goal of the study, which will be allocated 39.7 million baht in the budget, is to improve safety standards and minimize property losses, both for the local population and visiting tourists.

During the meeting the council also approved a motion that establishes zones “where new construction and changes to existing structures will be forbidden in the municipality,” said Mr Thanin.

Also approved was the use of 23.7 million baht for the purchase of 11 plots of land with a total area of 474 square wah as part of the construction of the new Phang Muang Road. The Interior Ministry has already issued a Royal Decree that authorizes the purchase of the land, which will be used to widen turnoffs and improve traffic flow where the new road intersects with other streets.

Source: Kom Chad Luek