BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has clarified public concerns over traffic measures related to repairs on the M82 Motorway project on Rama II Road, stressing that a “100% area closure” applies only to designated high-risk construction zones, not the entire roadway. The measure allows urgent structural repairs to proceed safely while limiting disruption to the public.
Phiphat said the government is not shielding contractors or relaxing standards for their convenience. He said investigations and legal action are moving forward and that contractors found negligent will face penalties, including possible blacklisting. He added that construction activities that endanger road users, such as lifting materials over active traffic lanes, will not be allowed, and affected areas must be fully closed until safety can be guaranteed.
While recognizing the impact on daily travel, Phiphat instructed the Department of Highways to apply strict traffic management to reduce congestion during the repair period. He stated that traffic flow remains important, but public safety must take precedence in all decisions.
The Department of Highways said repair work covers a three-kilometer section of Rama II Road between kilometers 29+100 and 32+100. The work includes demolishing a damaged bridge deck, casting concrete to reconnect a cantilever structure over the Tha Chin River, and removing temporary scaffolding. During the repairs, all three main lanes in each direction will be closed, while two frontage road lanes per direction will remain open.
Authorities expect road capacity to drop by about 60 percent, with peak-hour queues potentially extending up to four kilometers. Traffic police and volunteers will be deployed around the clock at diversion points, and lane arrangements may be adjusted, including limited one-way closures or reversible lanes, to ease congestion. The remaining repair work is scheduled to run from January 24 to March 27. (NNT)
