Let’s be fair, traffic has never been easy at the intersection, a roundabout in only name which the authorities have deemed unsafe to be used as one. For as long as we can remember people heading from west to east or south have been made to turn north and then perform a frustrating and tiresome U-turn to head south. The same is also true for people heading west to east or north. The reason for this has mostly been blamed on locals not being familiar with roundabouts. Many other options have been tried, with none deemed successful enough.
Hence the new masterplan: the Heroines Underpass project, aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity in the long run. The project will see a three-lane underpass from north to south, with an improved roundabout with traffic lights overhead. It all sounds great and very lavish. However, the work has inadvertently created a logistical nightmare for residents and businesses alike. As the north and south of the island find themselves increasingly isolated, frustration is mounting, and concerns about the project’s execution are growing louder.
A PROMISE OF PROGRESS, OR A RECIPE FOR DISASTER?
In theory, the Heroines Monument redevelopment, particularly the planned underpass, should be a welcome addition to Phuket’s infrastructure. It’s a crucial component of the larger mass-transit (a.k.a. “light rail”) project, a much-anticipated transportation initiative that promises to revolutionise commuting across the island. The underpass, if successful, could alleviate traffic congestion and create a more efficient transportation network.
However, concerns about the underpass’s location and design have cast a shadow of doubt over its effectiveness. The Heroines Monument area is notoriously prone to flooding during the rainy season. Building an underpass in such a location raises questions about its vulnerability to waterlogging and potential disruptions to traffic flow. The Darasamut Underpass outside of Central, which frequently closes due to even minor rainfall, serves as a cautionary tale.
Moreover, the grand plan to introduce AI-controlled traffic lights, a technological solution that could potentially solve traffic woes without the need for major infrastructural changes, seems to have vanished from the agenda. This has left many wondering if simpler, less disruptive solutions were overlooked in favour of a more ambitious, but potentially problematic, project maybe with someone pocket being lined along the way.
THE RIPPLE EFFECTS: A DIVIDED ISLAND
While the long-term benefits of the underpass are uncertain, its immediate consequences are painfully clear. The roadworks have effectively created a barrier between the north and south of Phuket, with residents and businesses on both sides experiencing significant disruptions to their daily lives.
The north, home to the popular tourist areas of Cherng Talay and Bang Tao, is now a considerable distance from the island’s central and southern regions. This has made it increasingly difficult for tourists to access attractions, restaurants and services in other parts of Phuket. Businesses that rely on island-wide clientele, such as tour operators and transportation providers, are feeling the pinch.
Meanwhile, residents in the south are experiencing similar challenges when attempting to reach the north. The increased travel time and traffic congestion have led many to reconsider their daily routines, opting to stay within their respective regions rather than venture across the island.
THE ECONOMIC TOLL: A THREAT TO TOURISM
The most significant concern is the potential impact on Phuket’s tourism industry, the lifeblood of the island’s economy. The roadworks, coinciding with the peak tourist season, could deter visitors and tarnish Phuket’s reputation as a convenient and accessible destination.
Tourism businesses, already grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, now face a new threat to their livelihoods. Restaurants, hotels and tour operators are reporting a decline in bookings, while local shops and markets are experiencing a drop in foot traffic. The longer the roadworks continue, the more severe the economic consequences could become.
It is crucial for local authorities and stakeholders to address the mounting concerns and find solutions that minimise disruption in the short term and ensure the long-term success of the Heroines Monument project.
Exploring alternative traffic management solutions, such as fitting traffic lights to the current roundabout and adjusting traffic light patterns or implementing temporary detours, could provide immediate relief. Additionally, revisiting the idea of AI-controlled traffic lights might be a worthwhile endeavour.
Ultimately, the goal should be to strike a balance between short-term inconvenience and long-term progress. While the roadworks may be a necessary step towards a more connected and efficient Phuket, it is essential to ensure that the process does not undermine the island’s unique charm and economic vitality.
Simon Causton is a long-time Phuket resident, founder of Citadel Phuket and author of ‘The Phuket Periodical’ newsletter. X (Twitter): @SimonCauston