Orange Line Construction Promises Progress But Triggers Traffic Turmoil in Bangkok

[snoop1130]

 

In a move that promises future convenience but immediate traffic chaos, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to close and demolish three key flyovers in the city. This is part of the infrastructure work for the expansion of the MRT Orange Line, causing widespread traffic disruptions in some of the city's busiest areas from tomorrow, November 15.

 

The BMA unveiled its plans yesterday to dismantle the well-worn flyovers at the intersections of Pratunam, Ratchathewi, and Sutthawat as part of the expansion project, stretching the Orange Line from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri (Suwinthawong). Bangkok's drivers are being advised to be patient and prepared for inevitable changes and delays as the city braces for this massive transport transformation.

 

The first traffic disruptions will start tomorrow when construction barriers will go up at the Ratchathewi and Pratunam intersections. The Orange Line station construction at these locations will officially begin, led by the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Co Ltd (BEM). BEM aims to mitigate traffic upheaval by carrying out staggered road closures and providing a comprehensive timeline of construction.

 

 

As for the individual flyovers, the demolition of the Ratchathewi and Sutthawat flyovers is penciled in for the 6th and 15th of January respectively. The iconic Pratunam flyover, Thailand’s first built in 1966, is scheduled for demolition in March 2026, followed by a new flyover rise between April and November the same year.

 

But the project isn't just about the flyover facelifts. There's also the small matter of rerouting utilities and digging out space for a new underground tunnel. With the flyovers currently serving as crucial arterial roads, the BMA acknowledges that these closures will have a serious impact on Bangkok’s traffic.

 

In response, they are working diligently with district offices to manage traffic as best as possible. To keep certain roads open during the day, most construction tasks are planned for the night. It's all set to be a test of Thai patience as Bangkok unlocks its future transport potential amidst present upheaval.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-14

 

 

[hotchilli]

What a mess...

[khunjeff]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a move that promises future convenience but immediate traffic chaos

 

People experienced years of traffic chaos during the construction of the eastern portion of the Orange Line, but due to breathtakingly incompetent contracting procedures, they have yet to see any "convenience" from the project at all. 

 

[kingstonkid]

Are they not having a flooding issue with a city that sinking.  Am I missing something 

[lordgrinz]

I know the pain, been dealing with the Pink Line, and now the Pink Line extension for what feels like forever.

[lordgrinz]

44 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

Are they not having a flooding issue with a city that sinking.  Am I missing something 

 

Well, the trains run 50 feet off the ground, so they should be still running after the city sinks 🤪

[zig]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Well, the trains run 50 feet off the ground, so they should be still running after the city sinks 🤪

This is MRT line so they will be running underground 

[lordgrinz]

Just now, zig said:

This is MRT line so they will be running underground 

 

Oh, a submarine then? Nice 🤪

[Callmeishmael]

When the Ratchayothin overpass was knocked down for the green line (or is it red line?) expansion, there were the usual delays,  But then the traffic police for that area took a look at how traffic lights are handled in the US/UK/Australia/etc and changed from the usual 10 minute RYG cycles to strict 1 minute cycles.  Consequently, the traffic wasn't that bad.  You were always moving and could get through the light in no more than 2 or 3 fairly short red lights!

 

Unfortunately, they seem to have completely forgotten how well that worked and have to back to the normal long, pointless red lights!