I have often driven this route thinking that the space between the roads would be ideal for the long talked about canal

and it seems that this is the proposed route - How close could it be and what impact ? Where would it connect at either end ?

Region Calls on Thailand to Reactivate Kra Canal Project

http://www.2point6billion.com/news/2009/06...oject-1441.html

I noticed 2 reports today that made me think that perhaps we are getting close to this project being announced /

Project To Deepen Penang Port Channel A Priority Under 10MP

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/news_lite.php?id=487252

and

China to help establish deep-sea port in Bangladesh

http://www.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option...01&Itemid=2

"Route 44 is part of land bridge project of Thailand's southern seaboard. However, the other parts of project have not yet built. Route 44 was slated to connect seaports on both the western and eastern coasts of Thailand. However, as the locations of seaports have not yet been finalized, only the central portion of Route 44 has been constructed. The roughly 50 km missing portions will be built when the location of the seaports has been finalized.

Wide ditch between directionsRoute 44 is unique in that it was designed to accompany other forms of transportation. Both directions of the road were built 150 meter apart. The large center median will be used for a railroad tracks and a pipeline. However, the project is currently stalled and nothing has been built but the roadways, leaving the center of the highway empty. There are also no crossing intersections, the only way to cross the highway is to use the U-turns or one of the few bridges.

U-turnIn Krabi Province, it starts at Amphoe Ao Luek and passes through Plai Phraya. It enters Surat Thani Province at Amphoe Phrasaeng and passes through Amphoe Khian Sa, Amphoe Ban Na Doem, Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani and ends at Amphoe Kanchanadit.

Total length is about 190 km. About 40 km is in Krabi Province and 150 km in Surat Thani Province. Route 44 is asphalt for entire length and has 4 lanes total, 2 lane for each direction with 150 meter ditch to separate the directions"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand_Route_44

Wow, I didn't know. I drive many times all the highway 44, wonderfully straight and empty.

"Route 44 is part of land bridge project of Thailand's southern seaboard. However, the other parts of project have not yet built. Route 44 was slated to connect seaports on both the western and eastern coasts of Thailand. However, as the locations of seaports have not yet been finalized, only the central portion of Route 44 has been constructed. The roughly 50 km missing portions will be built when the location of the seaports has been finalized.

Wide ditch between directionsRoute 44 is unique in that it was designed to accompany other forms of transportation. Both directions of the road were built 150 meter apart. The large center median will be used for a railroad tracks and a pipeline. However, the project is currently stalled and nothing has been built but the roadways, leaving the center of the highway empty. There are also no crossing intersections, the only way to cross the highway is to use the U-turns or one of the few bridges.

U-turnIn Krabi Province, it starts at Amphoe Ao Luek and passes through Plai Phraya. It enters Surat Thani Province at Amphoe Phrasaeng and passes through Amphoe Khian Sa, Amphoe Ban Na Doem, Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani and ends at Amphoe Kanchanadit.

Total length is about 190 km. About 40 km is in Krabi Province and 150 km in Surat Thani Province. Route 44 is asphalt for entire length and has 4 lanes total, 2 lane for each direction with 150 meter ditch to separate the directions"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand_Route_44

No that route is far too long. The original surveyed canal route was the thinnest portion of the Kra peninsular which was traversed by the adventurer Tristan Jones in the eighties. He took six weeks hauling his two ton longtail boat Eastwards by elephant, via creeks and valleys to the Tapi river where he sailed down to Surat Thani.

Wow too! I didn't know either. Lovely road to drive, always wondered about it now I know

Thanks

Moved to Southern Thailand forum as this news is for the Southern region not encompassing the islands,

//MOVED//