Songkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand’s transport minister announced that construction delays on Rama II Road will persist during the upcoming Songkran festival. Despite efforts to expedite the work, the completion date is now set for June 2025. The minister assured that compensation will be paid to the contractors to encourage faster progress.

 

Government spokesperson Suriya Jungrungreangkit addressed the state of transportation during the Songkran festival at 9.40am today, April 2. He emphasised the desire for the public to travel conveniently and safely and outlined plans to make alternate routes available to avoid congested areas. This approach aims to provide more efficient travel options, even if they involve longer distances.

 

In addition to these measures, the Expressway Authority of Thailand and the Department of Highways have been instructed to reduce tolls at various checkpoints, except on the Western Outer Ring Road, which is contractually exempt from such reductions. The Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway, for instance, will have its tolls reduced along the entire route, pending Cabinet approval.

 

The focus then shifted to the protracted construction on Rama II Road, a situation that has been ongoing for some time. Suriya confirmed that the project must be completed by June 2025. Currently, contractors are facing liquidity issues, prompting the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with banks to improve cash flow.

 

The ministry also has outstanding payments to contractors, which are being addressed in budget discussions. Special consideration is being given to the Rama II Road contractors, who have been impacted by restricted construction times imposed by the Department of Highways to prevent accidents, limiting work to nighttime hours and increasing costs.

 

To address these cost overruns, the government will pay an adjustment fee, subject to a memorandum of understanding with the contractors, ensuring the project is completed on time. When pressed about the traffic situation on Rama II Road during Songkran, Suriya acknowledged that there would be considerable congestion due to the incomplete construction. Efforts will be made in coordination with the highway police to mitigate the resulting traffic issues.

 

As Thailand gears up for the Songkran festival, typically a time of heavy travel across the country, it’s clear that the government is taking steps to alleviate transportation woes. However, travellers on Rama II Road should be prepared for delays and consider alternative routes where possible.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Picture of Suriya Jungrungreangkit courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02

 

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[Srikcir]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

However, travellers on Rama II Road should be prepared for delays and consider alternative routes where possible.

I've know the area before construction began and haven't seen much in the way of traffic delays in Rama II Road in Bang Khun Thian area due to this construction. The construction activities themselves appear to be very controlled and confined with minimal interference with public traffic. Albeit, I would have preferred a light rail system that would be more pollution free but it can't carry cargo.

[john donson]

Songkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025

 

 

2025 ???   

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

On 4/3/2024 at 9:00 AM, Srikcir said:

I've know the area before construction began and haven't seen much in the way of traffic delays in Rama II Road in Bang Khun Thian area due to this construction. The construction activities themselves appear to be very controlled and confined with minimal interference with public traffic. Albeit, I would have preferred a light rail system that would be more pollution free but it can't carry cargo.

 

The wife and I returned to Bangkok last Sunday afternoon after a weekend trip to Hua Hin via the VIP bus from/to Suvarnabhumi airport.

 

You wouldn't think Sunday mid-afternoon would be too bad a time to travel. But the entire trip back to BKK took 4-1/2 hours compared to 3-1/2 hours the last time we made the same trip a couple months back.

 

All of the delay was on the approach to and passing thru the Rama II construction zone, and we were backed up for miles in crawling traffic before finally getting past that area where, shockingly, suddenly the expressway traffic became free-flowing and fast for the rest of the trip back.

 

Edited April 4 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[still kicking]

On 4/3/2024 at 11:47 AM, john donson said:

Songkran festival sees Rama II Road works delay till June 2025

 

 

2025 ???   

Yes, I wondered. 

[Callmeishmael]

I will eat my hat if that roadwork is completed by 2025!  2035 is more likely.