Samkong junction set to close for two nights

PHUKET: The road at Samkong junction in front of Tesco Lotus will be partially closed between 10pm and 4am tonight and tomorrow to allow heavy lifting equipment to be used for construction of the underpass.

“The section of road is being closed off at the request of the construction company in order to speed up completion of construction,” said Phuket Traffic Police Lt Col Teerawat Leamsuwan.

As a consequence, motorists heading to the bypass road from Central Festival will be unable to cross over the junction, instead having to turn left onto Phra Phuket Kaew Road and taking the next u-turn to get back onto the bypass road, Col Teerawat advised.

Motorists heading into town toward Central Festival from the bypass road must also make a detour by turning right onto Phra Phuket Kaew Road and heading toward Kathu, following the road to the front of Central Festival.

As there will be no traffic going directly across the junction, vehicles will be able to turn right from the bypass road at all times during this time period.

Alternatively, motorists wishing to head into town can turn left toward Samkong and go through the Tesco Lotus car park, coming out at the exit further down the road. However, it has not been confirmed if Tesco Lotus will allow through traffic once the store has closed, said Col Teerawat.

A spokesperson for Wiwat Construction Co Ltd apologized for any inconvenience caused by the road closure, adding that it is imperative in order to complete construction as soon as possible.

— Kongleaphy Keam