Does anyone know the current planned opening schedule of the Pattaya-Map Ta Phut motorway extension?  It was originally scheduled to open in 2019 but I have not seen any update for a very long time. Also, the section to Baan Amphur has been completed for 6 months but they have chosen to not open just that section for some reason.

Topic here -

There was also a more recent news article that gave August 2020 (from memory) as the opening date.

Tried to find the relevant article but the search function is being its usual efficient self.........

42 minutes ago, topt said:

Tried to find the relevant article but the search function is being its usual efficient self.........

Even with Google not in an instant.

August 2020 this article says.

 

4 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Even with Google not in an instant.

August 2020 this article says.

 

Thanks - even multiple other searches I could not find it - a lot of older articles however 

20 hours ago, topt said:

Thanks - even multiple other searches I could not find it - a lot of older articles however 

Thanks for finding this.  I could only find older articles on a search too.

Disappointing it is now August but hey ho...     I really wish they would open the Pattaya-Baan Amphur section though, it has been finished a long time now, and would take a lot of traffic off the Sukhumvit road, bypassing Pattaya for those going to/from Sattahip district (e.g. me !)

 

 

5 hours ago, drbrit said:

Thanks for finding this.  I could only find older articles on a search too.

Disappointing it is now August but hey ho...     I really wish they would open the Pattaya-Baan Amphur section though, it has been finished a long time now, and would take a lot of traffic off the Sukhumvit road, bypassing Pattaya for those going to/from Sattahip district (e.g. me !)

 

 

Unfortunately they won't do it until the toll booths are open - remember some traffic will be coming from before the start of the tolls past the airport and they have to pay that toll somewhere. 

hopefully when they have free tolls during Songkran in April they could give the section an unofficial opening for a bit of relief 

20 hours ago, topt said:

Unfortunately they won't do it until the toll booths are open - remember some traffic will be coming from before the start of the tolls past the airport and they have to pay that toll somewhere. 

If history is any judge they won't open it until the concrete starts cracking so the vendor can keep the cash cow running

 

 

20 hours ago, topt said:

Unfortunately they won't do it until the toll booths are open - remember some traffic will be coming from before the start of the tolls past the airport and they have to pay that toll somewhere. 

Yes that's correct, because the Pattaya toll booths are after the junction which turns off to Baan Amphur / Baan Chang / Map Ta Phut.  

On 1/6/2020 at 11:33 PM, digbeth said:

hopefully when they have free tolls during Songkran in April they could give the section an unofficial opening for a bit of relief 

Stumbled upon an article in Thai language that says there will be a toll free test run starting during the month of May, too late

Full opening in August confirmed.

a drone view of bits of the new road

https://www.facebook.com/newsbanchangrayong/videos/1205770139787873/?t=2

17 hours ago, steve187 said:

a drone view of bits of the new road

https://www.facebook.com/newsbanchangrayong/videos/1205770139787873/?t=2

Not much showing the status of toll road just a promo for this marathon it seems.

 

The last info for opening of motorway is July is a test for operation and free for the month and August will open on a pay basis,,,,,,,,,

On 1/5/2020 at 2:51 PM, topt said:

Thanks - even multiple other searches I could not find it - a lot of older articles however 

It's damn near impossible to find anything on Thaivisa search, I always use google now to find articles on Thaivisa. 

On google I typed "thaivisa" and then, "when will the motorway from Pattaya to Rayong be finished" came back instantly with the results.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, longball53098 said:

The last info for opening of motorway is July is a test for operation and free for the month and August will open on a pay basis,,,,,,,,,

As written test supposed to start in May.

22 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

As written test supposed to start in May.

Ok great if I can drive on it in May all the better. Sooner rather than later is good.

the 'free' period would just mean you pay what you usually pay at the Pattaya or 36 exit (100 or 105 from Bangkok) at any of the new section exits during the free period, they'd have to be fully manned to collect tolls and give out pass by then.

 

once the free trial period is over the fare from Bangkok to Mabtaphut looks to be 130  

On 2/13/2020 at 8:27 AM, longball53098 said:

Ok great if I can drive on it in May all the better. Sooner rather than later is good.

Confirmation here -