Route 304, Korat - Prachin Buri, construction going on?

[KhunBENQ]

In the past I favored to drive from Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) down south via 304 (through Khao Yai) on the way to Pattaya.

I was warned by a mate that there is (already) major construction work going on and lot of congestion to expect.

I should better take the motorway route.

Does anyone have recent experiences going this route?

Is there construction going on to expand the two lane sections?

[mortenaa]

Just drove there on Thursday. Just a bit congested over the mountain itself. Takes about 15 minutes extra to get over, but rest of the road is pure silk. Great asphalt all the way!

[KhunBENQ]

That does not sound bad.

I really don't like the highway/tollway route (#2, #1, #9, #7).

[mikebell]

When I had a Buriram GF I drove up every month: 331 - 304 - 24. I used to know where all the police ambushes were. What I hated most about it were the traffic lights. I counted: there were 18 sets (at that time.) On average one would think the major road would show green more often than not. Some journeys I got a red as many as a dozen times whilst the police had rigged the lights to enable a captive audience for the vendors. I've waited 2 or 3 minutes to allow one pick-up and a food vendor to cross. Anything up to a 100 vehicles wait, burning fuel or buying flowers.

It got so bad I changed my GF.