Residents of Ratchaburi Demand Immediate Repair for Narrow Overpass Bridge

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In Pak Tho, Ratchaburi, a new overpass bridge that is too small for effective use is causing traffic jams. The bridge was built between Village 1 and Village 5 as a substitute route after the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) shut the main motorcycle passage. This road was vitally important for daily tasks including trips to the market, school, bank, hospital, and police station.

 

The local residents who use this road every day demonstrated the problem by driving on the bridge. They found out that due to its size, vehicles can't pass each other on the bridge. Motorbikes trying to navigate the sharp bend in the middle of the bridge often had to stop and manually adjust their bikes to make the turn. Both the ascent and descent are affected, resulting in significant delays and difficulties.

 

An unhappy resident stated, "This bridge is badly designed. It is just suitable for pedestrians and making a U-turn in the middle of the bridge is impossible. If one side is going up, the other side has to wait at the bridge top."

 

During peak hours, the bridge is highly congested. Drivers are forced to anxiously wait their turn to cross and hope they will not have to get out and manually manoeuvre their vehicle. This is causing frustration among locals who question the practicality of such a narrow bridge.

 

 

Residents are calling for changes. One resident, Jai, echoed the thoughts of many locals. He said: "We need the bridge to be widened so vehicles can easily turn and pass each other. A clear distinction for ascending and descending lanes is needed. If the main route is closed and the bridge is left as it is, the community will face major hardship."

 

A local vendor at the bridge also expressed concern, suggesting that if the main road remains closed, locals will face challenges. With thousands of vehicles using the route daily, the narrow bridge could cause accidents. The vendor pointed out that other railway overpasses are not as narrow, which makes this bridge especially troublesome.

 

Residents are now urging the relevant authorities or contractors involved in the construction of the bridge to urgently reassess and modify the design. Their desire is for a fully functioning and safe bridge, as closing the main road without a suitable alternative will definitely disrupt daily life.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-02

 

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