City Hall follows His Majesty's advice

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has followed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's advice aimed at easing traffic woes around Siriraj Hospital and adjacent areas.

Deputy Bangkok governor Chakkaphan Phewngam said City Hall recently signed a contract to expand Arun Amarin Bridge across Khlong Bangkok Noi and will build a flyover crossing the crowded Siriraj Intersection.

The project, worth 885.7 million baht, with Prayoonchai (1984) Co will start from Aug 9 next year and last until April 30, 2018, said Mr Chakkaphan, who oversees the BMA's public works.

"It will help increase traffic flows on Arun Amarin Road and alleviate congestion outside Siriraj Hospital and at the intersection," he said.

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Under the project, the Arun Amarin bridge over Khlong Bangkok Noi will be expanded from four to six lanes with ramps. A 1.3-kilometre flyover, which will be built from the bridge to the Naval Dockyard, will allow motorists to avoid the crowded intersection below.

The project excludes the construction of a 350-metre loop ramp connecting a small road along Khlong Bangkok Noi to Arun Amarin Intersection and the building of a U-turn under Arun Amarin Bridge in front of Wat Amarintaram.

Mr Chakkaphan said the late King had expressed concerns about traffic gridlock around Siriraj Hospital and given advice to City Hall for consideration.

Siriraj Intersection is heavily congested throughout the day. It links Arun Amarin and Phran Nok roads which are connected to Itsaraphap Road and the busy Charan Sanitwong Road.

The deputy governor allayed concerns the construction project, which will take almost two years, would add to traffic woes for motorists. He insisted no road space would be closed to pave the way for construction.

"Components are prefabricated and will be assembled at the construction site. It's the first of its kind by the BMA. The technology not only minimises impacts on traffic flows, but also reduces construction time," he said.

Mr Chakkaphan said the BMA also has three more projects to alleviate traffic congestion around the area.

One involves the expansion of small roads which are expected to be completed in December next year.

Under the scheme, Sutthiwat Road, which links Itsaraphap Road and Charan Sanitwong Road, and which runs along railway tracks, will be expanded from two lanes to four lanes. To help facilitate traffic flows, a two-lane 350-metre flyover will also be built to cross Charan Sanitwong Road.

Another involves the improvement of a network of small roads totaling 2,400 metres along Khlong Bangkok Noi and in front of Sayamindradhiraj Medical Institute. The project is about 80% complete.

The last project involves construction of a 3.7km elevated road linking Rama VIII Bridge and Phran Nok-Buddha Monthon Sai 4 road for motorists travelling between Arun Amarin Intersection and outer areas.

The elevated road starts at Arun Amarin Intersection via Khlong Bangkok Noi, Itsaraphap Road, Phran Nok Road and over Charan Sanitwong Road. The project details are before designers.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by SUPOJ WANCHAROEN

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