Rama II Bridge debris cleared, traffic to resume by Saturday

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

The Department of Highways successfully cleared over 70% of the debris from a collapsed bridge in Samut Sakhon, ensuring safety remains a priority. Normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume by this Saturday, December 14, following the diligent efforts of engineers and officials involved in the operation.

 

Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director General of the Department of Highways, accompanied by Narit Niramaivong, the Governor of Samut Sakhon, visited the site to oversee the progress of dismantling the damaged steel structure known as the Launching Gantry (LG) and the concrete bridge segments on Highway 35 (Rama II Road).

 

The site visit aimed to ensure the safety and efficiency of the ongoing work, as well as to assess the current traffic situation on Rama II Road, with particular attention to the heavy traffic flow both into and out of Bangkok.

 

The engineering team has made significant progress, having removed 70% of the damaged structures. The dismantling process is expected to be completed, allowing traffic to return to normal by December 14.

 

On the outbound side of Bangkok, engineers have successfully dismantled the front and rear sections of the LG structure and are currently working on cutting the central structure connected to the segment parts.

 

Meanwhile, on the inbound side, all segments have been removed, and the LG structure has been moved to a safe location, with monitoring equipment installed to track any movement for safety purposes.

 

Apirat expressed confidence in the thorough preparation and safety-focused execution of the engineers. He explained that adjustments to the plan were made as necessary to ensure safety, even if it caused some delays.

 

 

In terms of traffic management, the Department of Highways, in collaboration with local police, has implemented a plan to manage traffic flow.

 

An additional special lane has been opened to ease outbound traffic from Bangkok, providing convenience to commuters.

 

Coordination with police has been made to facilitate smooth traffic flow, and the public is advised to avoid the route if possible or allow extra travel time.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kla Sombatpiboon from the Nakhon Pathom Highway Police Division reported that as of yesterday morning, December 10, traffic on the outbound side of Bangkok was moving smoothly.

 

After the segments were lifted and the LG structure was safely relocated on the inbound side, an additional special lane was opened, allowing small vehicles to use two special lanes outbound. Larger vehicles continue to be diverted to Ekachai Road.

 

However, adjustments may be made during peak hours if inbound traffic to Bangkok becomes congested. In such cases, one of the special outbound lanes may be converted to accommodate inbound traffic, leaving one lane for outbound traffic.

 

These adjustments will be made in consultation with the highway district and will depend on the traffic situation at the time. The public is encouraged to use alternative routes for the next few days until the work at the incident site is complete, and normal traffic conditions are restored, reported KhaoSod.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-11