Overpass Blunder: Pedestrian Bridge Left Nearly Unusable After Rama II Flyover Construction

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A pedestrian bridge in front of the Talay Thai Market, Samut Sakhon, on Rama II Road has become virtually unusable after a newly constructed elevated roadway left just one metre of clearance, forcing pedestrians to stoop or crawl to pass through.

 

The issue was highlighted by the facebook group “STRONG Anti-Corruption Club of Thailand”, which shared images of the bizarre situation on social media. The photos show the flyover’s structure obstructing the pedestrian bridge, making it difficult and impractical for people to use.

 

The images quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism and ridicule online. Social media users left sarcastic comments such as “Who approved this?”, “A new tourist attraction—’The Crawl-Through Bridge’”, and “It’s just a modern way to teach humility.” Others speculated that authorities would soon be forced to dismantle and reconstruct the bridge to resolve the issue.

 

Local residents have called for urgent action to rectify the problem, but authorities have yet to issue an official response.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

[JoePai]

Sums up Thais to a tee 

[Gsxrnz]

My uncle was a surveyor. On a construction of that magnitude, he'd be suitably impressed with the 150mm tolerance to dodge the railing and the camera pole on both lateral and vertical planes. 

[lordgrinz]

That's some high-quality engineering there....LOL

[Patong2021]

much ado about nothing. It will eventually be demolished and was just allowed to stand for now.

[Georgealbert]

Authorities have now finished a bypass walkway, as a temporary measure.

 

 

[Watawattana]

Guess the security camera is there so that the footage can be used to judge the limbo dance competition?

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

That's some high-quality engineering there....LOL

Engineering is top notch, the planning however leaves something to be desired.

[lordgrinz]

1 minute ago, hotchilli said:

Engineering is top notch, the planning however leaves something to be desired.

 

Well, it could fall down, that seems to happen alot around here.

[sammieuk1]

Hobbits welcome err🤔

[pest]

This is in Tokyo and other countries

Progress its called and good to see 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Others speculated that authorities would soon be forced to dismantle and reconstruct the bridge to resolve the issue.

A committee will probably recommend a flight of steps up to the expressway, a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights and descent steps on the other side. 😋

[worgeordie]

They built it for dwarfs err I mean little people ....

 

regards Worgeordie

[thailand49]

Is there no shame or pride with these official as they continue to get rich off the misery of their people.

Until Thais demand blood it will never change.

[Muhendis]

1 hour ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

a flight of steps up to the expressway, a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights and descent steps on the other side.

That's a bit close to the truth.

 

However I suspect this was all planned well in advance and a new footbridge was included in the overall scheme.

Pity the plans were not made public, but then that seems to be the secretive way of things with government projects.

[timendres]

Love this place. Love these people. Love that photo.

[impulse]

Kinda curious.  Now that they have a flyover, do they really need that elevated pedestrian crossing?  Or can pedestrians now cross at grade?

 

Dollars to donut holes, it's a temporary glitch- an intermediate construction stage.  Excellent fodder for Thai bashing, though.

 

[richard_smith237]

32 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

2 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

a flight of steps up to the expressway, a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights and descent steps on the other side.

That's a bit close to the truth.

 

However I suspect this was all planned well in advance and a new footbridge was included in the overall scheme.

Pity the plans were not made public, but then that seems to be the secretive way of things with government projects.

 

Agreed...  The photo just makes for the "not my job" type of threads... 

 

In reality, I'm guessing alternative plans exist..  OR...  pedestrian have been completely overlooked for now, until the next bidding process when a 'pedestrian tunnel' will be required.... Which Politicians relatives company will win that bid ??? (oh, how cynical I am)... 

[Muhendis]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

Which Politicians relatives company will win that bid ??? (oh, how cynical I am)... 

You are indeed but like I said. "That seems to be the way of things"

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Temporary Detour as Thai Footbridge Closed for Overhaul Following Safety Concerns

Pictures courtesy of Khoasod.
 

The pedestrian bridge at the Thai Sea Market has been closed following safety concerns, with a temporary detour in place for users.

 

On the afternoon March 17, it was reported that the pedestrian bridge, previously positioned just one meter below the elevated road, forced users to crouch or bend to pass under. This resulted in widespread concern among commuters, especially after images of people crouching to cross were shared widely on social media. In response, authorities have now installed green tarpaulins to block off the low-clearance section of the bridge on both sides.

 

A temporary detour, approximately five meters long and over two meters deep, has been established to allow pedestrians to walk through without the need to crouch.

In the long term, the highway department confirmed that after the completion of the elevated road upgrades, a new, more accessible footbridge will be built. The new bridge will be made of metal, offering a thinner profile than the previous concrete structure. This will increase the clearance between the bridge and the elevated road, allowing for safer and more comfortable passage for pedestrians. The entry and exit points for the bridge will remain in the same positions on either side, and the height clearance for vehicles will remain unchanged.

 

-- 2025-03-17

 

[NoDisplayName]

3 hours ago, Muhendis said:

However I suspect this was all planned well in advance and a new footbridge was included in the overall scheme.

 

More likely a bamboo ladder on each side, with a zebra crossing painted on the highway above.

[Grumpy one]

It's good to see they built a shelter for soi dogs, keeps them cool and dry

[newnative]

     Thais need to do more public shaming like this--taking to social media to bring it to light.  Sometimes, if the embarrassing spotlight gets bright and hot enough, it might lead to some action.  That's about the only tool they readily have in their toolbox.