Phuket secures B22mn to fix notorious Patong Hill road

PHUKET: The Phuket Highways Office (PHO) has secured the 22 million baht needed to permanently fix the large section of the notorious Patong Hill road that washed away nearly two years ago, PHO Director Samak Luedwonghad announced yesterday.

“Patong Hill Road in undergoing permanent restoration (story here). A contract was signed on May 15 and the repairs are expected to be completed by October 12,” Mr Samak told the Phuket Gazette.

The section of road, just west of the Chinese shrine at the top of the hill, was first washed away by heavy rains in 2011 and then again in September 2012 (story here).

Several million baht was previously used to temporarily shore up the section of road until the budget for permanent solution was approved, Mr Samak explained (story here).

“Once it is completed, it will last at least 20 years,” he added.

Mr Samak advised motorists to seek alternative routes to ease traffic congestion during construction.

— Chutharat Plerin