The delays come as work continues on moving power poles ahead of construction of the Heroines Underpass, requiring one lane northbound from the monument to be closed.
In response to the heavy traffic yesterday, Thalang Traffic Police sectioned off one lane on the southbound side of the road for northbound traffic to use in the hope of easing congestion at the roundabout.
The current period of work on moving the power poles is scheduled to conclude tomorrow (Aug 5).
Meanwhile, the local branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) yesterday posted a report detailing the Heroines Underpass project to come, with images featuring a blissful absence of traffic at the roundabout.
According to the report, the “Tha Ruea Intersection Underpass Project”, with an initial construction budget of B2.38 billion, has officially begun.
The project requires the expropriation of 1,574 square metres of land, including 967sqm near the Robinson Lifestyle Thalang shopping mall and 607sqm near the Southeast Asia Cathay Gems Phuket outlet on the southeast corner of the intersection.
The underpass will feature three lanes beneath the monument, with two lanes (each 3.25m wide) for outbound traffic and one lane (4.5m wide) for inbound traffic, said the report.
Above ground, the roundabout around the monument will have two lanes, each lane three metres wide, accompanied by footpaths ranging from 2.1 to 2.7m in width.
A new traffic light system will be installed, and the monument area will be elevated by approximately 90 centimetres, said the report.
“This design aims to create an elegant and safe environment for road users while providing convenient access for those wishing to pay homage to the monuments,” the report noted.
The underpass will include pedestrian walks with entrances and exits at key locations, such as in front of the jewellery outlet and the Robinson mall. The pedestrian routes will include stairs and elevators to ensure accessibility for people of all ages.
An area for paying homage to the Two Heroines will be partially open, situated at the same level as the underpass roof “to create an open and uncluttered landscape, promoting good visibility and the monument’s elegance,” the report continued.
Phuket Highways Office Chief Yuthana Pitak has emphasised that the project will significantly improve traffic and transportation efficiency, making travel more convenient and faster, the report said.
“The Phuket Highways District is expediting the relocation of public utilities, such as electricity and water, to clear the area for construction. The project includes the expansion of the road shoulder, with efforts underway to complete these tasks before the contractor begins work,” Mr Yuttana explained.
The bidding process to select a construction contractor is being managed by the Department of Highways. The Phuket Highways District Office headed by Mr Yuttana is responsible for the project and coordinating the relocation of utilities and the road shoulder expansion to ensure smooth progress, the report concluded.