Southbound bypass closed at Samkong underpass

PHUKET: Southbound traffic at the Samkong underpass construction site is being diverted east toward Samkong and west toward Kathu after recent heavy rain wreaked havoc on a section of road alongside the site and cracked one of the underpass walls (story here).

“Those who want to go straight on to Central Festival now have to turn left, drive through the Tesco Lotus parking lot, and then exit back out onto the bypass road,” said Sirisak Skoonsorutch, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket Office chief. “This alternative route can only be used by motorbikes and cars, not pick-up trucks and bigger vehicles.”

The damaged section of road is expected to be fixed within a week, allowing southbound traffic to resume its usual flow, said Phuket Highways Office Director Samak Luedwonghad.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience. We are doing our best to deal with this as fast as possible,” Mr Samak said.

— Kongleaphy Keam