Tailbacks expected at Tesco Lotus Phuket intersection

PHUKET: Expect longer-than-usual tailbacks around the Tesco Lotus intersection starting tomorrow, when the Phuket Highway Office will break ground on a drainage improvement project to address chronic flooding that occurs in the area.

The construction at one of Phuket’s busiest intersections will force the closure of some lanes between June 30 and July 4.

“The Phuket Highway Office decided to temporarily solve the issue of flooding at the intersection until a more complete system is built in conjunction with the [as-yet-unfunded] underpass project,” said Phuket Highway Office Director Samak Leardwonghad.

The project aims to install additional storm drains to channel more runoff to the existing drainage pipes.

“With these new storm drains the water will drain quickly,” Mr Samak noted.

“Traffic in the area will be bad for a while, so we have to apologize in advance for any inconvenience,” he added.

— Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai