‘Bypass overpass’ unveiled in Phuket

WICHIT, PHUKET: Two hulking siblings, the Central Festival Phuket and HomeWorks shopping complexes, were finally linked by a long-awaited pedestrian overpass today.

Phuket Vice Governor Tri Augkaradacha opened a 20-million-baht footbridge across the bypass road, allowing shoppers to enjoy the pleasures of both megamalls without getting in a car, on a bike – or soaking wet.

Both centers are owned by the massive Central Retail Corporation (CRC) conglomerate.

Mr Thanaphon Tangkhananan, CRC’s vice-president for business development, said the bridge was for public use, especially by students from nearby schools.

Three large primary schools – Darasamuth, Vichitsongkraam and Thai Hua – are all located within walking distance of the stores.

The covered bridge can be accessed from the roadside on both flanks and from within the two complexes.

On the Central Festival side, the entrance to the bridge can be found on the top floor, next to the MK restaurant.

The bridge connects with HomeWorks on the second floor, next to the Power Buy electrical goods store.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan & Dan Waites