Phuket underpass late to grand opening

PHUKET: Despite the Darasamut Underpass being treated to a grand opening ceremony yesterday (story here), the island’s first underpass did not open to traffic until this afternoon.

“We expected to open the underpass after the ceremony yesterday, but we had to fix the electric lane markers,” Samak Luedwonghad, director of the Phuket Highways Office, confirmed to the Phuket Gazette today.

“Two lanes are now open: one heading southbound and the other northbound. The lane closest to HomeWorks will be closed for a few days while we check the electric lane markers to ensure that they work properly.

“We expect all three lanes to be open on Saturday.”

Once all three lanes are open, said Mr Samak, one will be used for southbound traffic and the other two will be used for northbound traffic.

“If we open two lanes heading southbound, this will jam up traffic at the first set of traffic lights south of the underpass,” he said.

“We also want to keep the direction of traffic consistent in the underpass so that we do not confuse motorists. We will install median poles as soon as possible so that people are clear on which lane is which.”

Mr Samak noted that motorcycles are strictly forbidden from using the underpass.

“Motorcycles are not allowed to use the underpass. This is clearly marked on signs before each entrance to the underpass,” he said.

“We will work closely with police to prevent motorcyclists from entering the underpass.”

— Chutharat Plerin