Somkid Kittisopit, Director of Phuket Highways Office, revealed the news during an update meeting with Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (Sept 2).
Mr Somkid, who replaced Phuket Highways Office Chief Yutthana Phitak on Aug 14, gave updates to five major transportation projects “aimed at enhancing travel efficiency, reducing congestion and supporting economic and social development in Phuket”, said an official report of the meeting.
The new Sarasin Bridge project is a key component of the ‘MR9 network, Phase 2’, which connects Phang Nga to Phuket, Mr Somkid explained.
The bridge will span from Takua Thung District in Phang Nga to Thalang District in Phuket, linking Highway No. 4 in Mueang Phang Nga District with the expressway project that ‒ once completed ‒ will connect Mueang Mai, Koh Kaew and Kathu.
The bridge will also feature a new dual-track railway across it, which will complete the northern section of the decades-in-coming ‘light rail’ mass-transit system.
Mr Somkid explained that the primary objectives of the new Sarasin Bridge are to:
- Support Travel into Phuket Province: Improve access to Phuket, making it easier for residents and tourists to travel to and from the province.
- Reduce Traffic Congestion: Alleviate traffic bottlenecks on existing routes, enhancing overall traffic flow and reducing travel times.
- Enhance Convenience and Safety:** Provide a safer and more convenient route for drivers, contributing to a smoother transportation experience.
He added that in addition to improving road transportation, the project aims to:
- Connect the Transportation System: Integrate the new bridge into Phuket’s broader transportation network, ensuring seamless connectivity across different regions.
- Support Economic and Social Development: Facilitate economic growth by improving access to key areas, boosting tourism, and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.
- Accommodate Large Ships: Enable large vessels to navigate more easily through the Chong Pak Phra channel (which separates Phuket from the mainland), providing better access to Phuket Province’s port area and supporting maritime activities.
The Sarasin Bridge project is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Phuket’s infrastructure, supporting both local and economic activities, and ensuring sustainable growth for the region, Mr Somkid said.
The ‘MR9’ project is part of the Department of Highways ‘MR-MAP’ plan for 10 ’motorway-railway routes’ to be developed throughout the country through a five-year-strategy funded with a budget of B457 billion (US$13.343bn).
“The aim is to improve road area management, reduce the need for land expropriation and minimise community disruption, while enhancing travel convenience and flexibility”, the Department of Highways said in its submission to the Ministry of Transport last year.
OTHER PROJECTS
The other key projects that Mr Somkid gave updates to were as follows:
Heroines Underpass
The project passed its first Environmental Impact Assessment (ElA) report on Aug 11, 2023 and the second time on Dec 21, 2023. The EIA Report Committee has reviewed and received feedback from its members and is now in the process of reporting to the Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP).
For site preparation and utilities, coordination is currently underway with various relevant agencies, including the Provincial Electricity Authority, the Provincial Waterworks Authority, the Department of Fine Arts, and Phuket City Police Station, as well as other government bodies in Phuket.
Regarding land and property matters, a meeting was held on May 30, 2024, where the principles for land, buildings and trees were approved. Payments are expected to be completed by the end of August 2024.
Additionally, the Budget Bureau will send a letter to the Department of Highways regarding a request for additional budget approval, not exceeding 5%. On June 27, 2024, an amount of B2,38bn was approved, with the debt period extended to the 2024-2027 budget cycle.
Route 4027 Expansion (through Pa Khlok)
The Route 4027 expansion project, covering the Baan Para to Baan Muang Mai section, has received a budget for 2024, with a construction cost of B650mn for a distance of 4.55km.
The section from the Heroines Monument to Baan Para (km 0+000 to km 14+300) has already been expanded to a four-lane road.
The detailed design for the project was completed in 2020, and the EIA approved on Aug 16, 2021. Coordination with relevant agencies for area preparation and utilities is ongoing. The e-bidding process started on June 14, 2024, and the search for a contractor has been completed. The contract is expected to be signed in early September 2024 (date not specified).
New Road to Phuket Airport
The project to construct a new road connecting Muang Mai to the ‘Phuket Airport Intersection’ has a budget of B1.3bn and covers a distance of 1.95km. Route 4027 serves as an alternative route to key areas in Phuket Province. Currently, the connection point on Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd) in Muang Mai is a community area with limited space for network development, leading to inefficiencies.
The construction of a new route, including an interchange at the Airport Intersection, aims to improve the overall efficiency of the highway network, reduce traffic on Thepkrasattri Rd, and enhance travel speed and safety. This development will also support the area’s growth, improve the quality of life for residents, and boost tourism.
The detailed design was completed in 2020, and the EIA report was approved by the Supervisory Committee for the Phuket Provincial Protection Area on Aug 16, 2021.
The relevant authorities have submitted a draft Royal Decree and supporting documents for the project on May 21, 2024. Additionally, an exemption from a Cabinet resolution to use a mangrove forest area was proposed on April 4, 2024.
Coordination with relevant agencies is ongoing to secure a construction budget for 2025.
Pa Khok - Bang Khu Highway Development Study
A study is underway to assess the economic, engineering, and initial environmental impacts of developing a new highway network between Pa Khlok and Bang Khu. The study, which has a budget of B20mn, aims to create a plan for a new highway that will reduce travel distance and time. Currently, motorists must use the heavily congested Thepkrasattri Rd, particularly from the Heroines Monument to the Bang Khu Intersection, as the only route.
The proposed highway will provide a more direct connection southbound from Route 4027, bypassing the Tha Ruea {Heroines Monument}, Koh Kaew and Bang Khu intersections.
“This will complete the highway network in Phuket Province, offering an alternative route for transportation from the northern areas into Phuket City,” Mr Somkid said.
The project received funding for the 2024 study, with a contract signed on June 18, 2024. The study, which is expected to take 12 months, is currently in progress, with route adjustments being made as necessary.
Mr Somkid emphasised the importance of media cooperation in informing the public about these developments.
“All projects prioritise solving Phuket’s traffic problems, enhancing safety, and supporting the province’s growth,” he said.
However, until now, local officials including Mr Somkid’s predecessor Mr Yuttahana, hev explained very little about the ‘new Sarasin Bridge’ project.
“The projects are expected to significantly improve transportation infrastructure in Phuket, benefiting both residents and the large number of tourists visiting the island each year,” Mr Somkid noted.