Asst. Prof. Narong Kularb (left), traffic
engineer / consultant for the Pattaya underpass project, and K. Jirawat,
civic engineer from Punya Technology Co. Ltd. (right), listen to opinions
about the proposed Sukhumvit underpasses.
Vittaya Yoondorn
Eighty percent of government, commercial and educational professionals
surveyed by two city contractors approve of plans to dig three subterranean
bypasses under Sukhumvit Road, consultants told a public hearing last month.
Boonpanya Technology Co. and Integrated Engineering Consulting Co. surveyed
(an undisclosed number of) city and regional government officials,
academics, school administrators, community leaders, media representatives
and executives from hotels and malls about the Sukhumvit bypasses at North,
South, and Thepprasit roads and found the vast majority completely approve
of the construction while only 20 percent opposed it.
The primary objections expressed by respondents centered on the project’s
planned drainage system, given Pattaya’s notorious reputation for flooding
during even minimal rainfall. Other concerns focused on the digging’s impact
on the environment and traffic delays during the building.
Respondents suggested the government increase the amount of publicity about
the project to better inform the public about its details, as well as safety
hazards posed during construction.
The consulting companies, hired to perform feasibility studies and
construction planning, released the results supporting their work at the
latest public hearing attended by 150 people Dec. 24. The session also saw
the release of the dimensions of the two proposed tunnels.
Planners said the northern tunnel will stretch 1,688 meters with the actual
tunnel spanning 968 meters. The South Roads project will run 2,075 meters
with a 457-meter tunnel while the Thepprasit tunnel bypass will run 1,002
meters with a 598-meter tunnel.
All three projects are constructed of steel and concrete and offer four
traffic lanes under busy Sukhumvit Road. All will offer U-turns before each
side of the tunnel as well as island dividers featuring flowers, safety
equipment and ventilation equipment.