I reckon its almost a year since they shut down the small section of route 7 just before the Laem Chabang turn off, and diverted all the traffic left and then back via the elevated U turn, onto route 7 - a distance of about 5 kms and often a delay of 20 mins or more due to traffic congestion.

Does anyone have any inside information as to when they are going to finish re-doing this bit of road? They could have built a new motorway after all this time, and from what I can see, hardly any progress has been made.

Is it because:

a. The contractor ran away with the downpayment

b. The local authorities spirited the budget away.

c. they have to wait until elevated U-turn, which was specially built after they closed route 7, has has been used long enough to justified it's construction.

d. They don't give a sh.... as it doesn't affect tourists going to Pattaya; it only affects them when they are going home, and have spent all their dosh.

d. They want to give us whingeing poms something to complain about.

But I'm not complaining, really. I enjoy the scenic views when driving around the U-turn.

Just curious.

Ohhh....you might get the answer likes this

"The Project is slightly behind original schedule due to unforseen difficulties"

And again.....kob kun krub.....for your concerns

which means: Somebody ran away with the project money... So we are working on something else

Thailand has many interesting places and things for you guys to enjoy. Maybe it’s time to start a new style of travel in Thailand....

Hot air balloons?

I reckon its almost a year since they shut down the small section of route 7 just before the Laem Chabang turn off, and diverted all the traffic left and then back via the elevated U turn, onto route 7 - a distance of about 5 kms and often a delay of 20 mins or more due to traffic congestion.

Does anyone have any inside information as to when they are going to finish re-doing this bit of road? They could have built a new motorway after all this time, and from what I can see, hardly any progress has been made.

Is it because:

a. The contractor ran away with the downpayment

b. The local authorities spirited the budget away.

c. they have to wait until elevated U-turn, which was specially built after they closed route 7, has has been used long enough to justified it's construction.

d. They don't give a sh.... as it doesn't affect tourists going to Pattaya; it only affects them when they are going home, and have spent all their dosh.

d. They want to give us whingeing poms something to complain about.

But I'm not complaining, really. I enjoy the scenic views when driving around the U-turn.

Just curious.

I go by there frequently and while the progress is very slow... it is progressing...even if it means weeks without any noticeable difference....

so I don't think a. or b. apply.

c. certainly makes a valid point... it was such a huge undertaking in it's own right.

as for d. i think the thousands of Thais using it daily as opposed to the few dozens of farang are equally prone to complaining about it.

I can't disagree with enjoying the scenic view from the top... afterall, it's mostly Sriracha within eyesight...

All of the suggestions apply...

And then I'll go for e. - they don't give a sh*te

EDH

before the elevated u-turn it was just a cutout in the median strip , which was worse .

so as you can see it is improving

I forget and get caught every time. Stay on Sukhumvit until you reach SriRacha.

I would stay on the Sukhumvit Road only until Laem Chabang, then turn off and join the Route #7 sign-posted Bangkok here. Route #7 at this junction comes from the Port and the Esso refinery area.

I was told that the new bridge construction on Highway #7 would be completed in August 2006.....but can anyone believe that? Maybe August next year......and that elevated U-turn, it's a masterpiece and it must have taken away any urgency in completing the work.

The contractor has been working on 331 and has almost completed the project in two years time. When this is complete, he will complete work on route 7.

Barry

The opening will coincide with the new airport's opening....

The opening will coincide with the new airport's opening....

Nice one John.

Will Thaksin, complete with red, white and blue jump suit race his rocket-powered Honda "Wave" motorcycle up a specially-constructed ramp and leap over the gap on Highway #7...just to say that the road is now open?

The opening will coincide with the new airport's opening....

Nice one John.

Will Thaksin, complete with red, white and blue jump suit race his rocket-powered Honda "Wave" motorcycle up a specially-constructed ramp and leap over the gap on Highway #7...just to say that the road is now open?

I think for the jump he's going to opt for the powerful Tiger Mini with its enormous thrust-producing 36-volt electric motor.

He'll probably go for the flash-looking orange one in the foreground...

I forget and get caught every time. Stay on Sukhumvit until you reach SriRacha.

Better to go past Laem Chabang and take the highway near the port.

Not so much an Evel Knievel...more of an Evil Konniver

I forget and get caught every time. Stay on Sukhumvit until you reach SriRacha.

Better to go past Laem Chabang and take the highway near the port.

Please see post #7