New District Chief tackles Thalang traffic

THALANG: Newly-appointed Thalang District Chief Samart Waradisai plans to request a budget to build a tunnel and more dedicated U-turns in order to improve traffic flow and safety on Thepkrasattri Rd.

Thalang District Office, working with the Phuket Provincial Highways Office (PPHO) and Thalang Police, has already taken steps to improve traffic flow at Heroines’ Monument.

During peak hours, from 7 am to 9 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm, vehicles arriving at the circle from the west and wanting to continue east or south now must turn left and drive north about 600 meters before making a U-turn.

Vehicles arriving at the circle from the east and wanting to continue west or north must turn left and make a U-turn near Wat Koh Kaew.

Both U-turn areas are marked with traffic cones, allowing the turns to be made without having to stop for oncoming traffic. The changes allow north- and south-bound traffic to continue unhindered through the circle and reduce gridlock during peak periods.

A similar system is also in place near Baan Kian market in Tambon Thepkrasattri.

The change in traffic flow forces people to drive further, but increases safety and saves time and fuel, K. Samart said.

Following the success of these changes, K. Samart wants to introduce a controlled U-turn in front of Thalang Hospital. “I have heard that at least 10 people have been killed while trying to make a U-turn there. It is very dangerous because of the curve; drivers cannot see oncoming vehicles there,” he said.

Long-term planning for this area should include a tunnel and U-turn points similar to those in Bangkok, K. Samart added.

A proposal seeking funding for these projects will be submitted, he said.