Patong Hill road being resurfaced

PATONG: In response to the large number of accidents on the section of Phra Barami Rd from Kathu to Patong – one of the busiest roads on the island – the Phuket Provincial Highways Office (PPHO) is spending nearly 10 million baht on resurfacing the road.

PPHO Deputy Chief Nirong Khumtua explained to the Gazette, “We have received many complaints from people saying that oil has been spilled on Phra Barami Rd, making it slippery and causing many accidents, especially in the rainy season.

“We resurfaced the road two years ago. Some people thought that we did not do a good job, but people should please keep in mind the volume of traffic that uses that road, including the large number of big cement trucks,” he added.

K. Nirong explained that under the construction contract, work started August 17 and is scheduled for completion by October 15 with a budget of 9.8 million baht.

Contractor Haad Yai Cape Seal Co Ltd is carrying out the roadworks on the 2.8-kilometer-long section of road from the Chinese shrine at the top of Patong Hill to Wat Suwan Khiriwongse in Patong.

Traffic signs warning motorists to exercise caution have been posted along the route, added K. Nirong.

Although K. Nirong said that he expected the resurfacing to reduce the number of accidents along the road, he warned motorists to be careful when driving along the notorious stretch even after the roadworks are complete.

The Gazette also urges motorists to be careful along Phra Barami Rd, and to be prepared for tailbacks while the roadworks are carried out.