Major-general Abhisit Muangkasem says he has already met with delegates from the line’s construction contractors, Italian Thai Development. He said he had asked the company to submit a schedule of operations that would have the least impact on commuters and travellers using the two arterial highways.
The Ratchayothin Junction overpass is scheduled to be demolished first and the major-general says even partial road closures need proper management to ensure gridlock does not occur. He said traffic-police needed traffic lights set up to control traffic and re-routing signs to help drivers get in the right lanes for their destinations.
The demolitions are a necessary part of the timetable to improve travel solutions for Bangkok residents and visitors. Once open, the Green Line will provide travellers with a convenient route from Khu Kot to Saphan Mai, Chatuchak and Mor Chit.
Road bridge demolitions set to gridlock traffic in Bangkok
News in Asia
The commander of Bangkok’s Traffic Police Division says the demolition of overpasses at two key junctions is liable to cause traffic chaos over the coming months. The Ratchayothin and Kasetsart overpasses currently ease traffic flow on Ratchadapisek and Paholyothin roads in northern Bangkok, but are scheduled for demolition to make way for a new suburban rail route.