New diversions in place at Samkong intersection

PHUKET: Motorists heading for Kathu and Patong from the bypass road can now turn right at the Samkong intersection, following the preliminary opening of the new underpass on Sunday (story here).

However, motorists heading north from Central Festival and wishing to make the turn to Kathu cannot turn left at the intersection, as access is blocked while construction on the underpass continues.

All vehicles, including motorcycles, must first drive through the northbound underpass before making a u-turn on the bypass road in order to head back towards the Samkong intersection, where they can then turn right for Kathu.

“Similarly, motorists heading to Kathu from Samkong cannot go directly across the Samkong intersection, nor can they turn right onto the bypass road there,” said Highways Department project engineer Chalermpol Wongkiattikun,

“Those drivers must first turn left at the Samkong intersection and head to the next intersection in front of Central Festival. They can then turn right to take the alternative route to Kathu or make a u-turn to head back through the new underpass,” he said.

Mr Chalermpol said the diversions would be in place at least until June while construction of the underpass continues.

— Kongleahy Keam