As evening blankets the bustling city of Bangkok, those who traverse the arteries of its iconic expressway system may need to adjust their nocturnal travel plans. A peculiar conundrum has arisen: the removal of a beleaguered construction crane tower. Nestled within the vibrant heart of the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, the Din Daeng toll plaza is taking a temporary hiatus. Yes, dear night owls, Saturday through Monday nights over April 5th to 7th, from the mystic hours of 10 PM until the morning light of 6 AM, the plaza will snooze its operations to grant engineers the space to safely evict this mechanical squatter.
The crane in question is not just any bit of rusting steel—it was a mighty tower standing proud at the Aspire Vibha-Victory condominium project, until the testy earthquake of March 28th decided to intervene with its architectural ambitions. The earth shook, the crane shuddered, and here we are. With one mighty sashay, it imposed itself unceremoniously upon the adjacent expressway, leading to the need for this late-night puzzle to be elegantly resolved.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand, affectionately abbreviated to Exat (because who doesn’t love a snappy acronym?), has been quick to offer its apologies for any headscratching this crimson barricade may cause commuters. Let not your hearts be troubled, for a suite of alternative routes have been assembled with due diligence. Whether you’re an outbound explorer or an inbound navigator, there’s a bespoke detour waiting to lead you on a whirlwind journey through the cityscape.
Let’s first address our adventurers with a need for an outbound escapade. If your vehicle finds itself purring down the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway from the vistas of Rama V Road (Bon Kai), you’ll be invited to detour via the Si Rat Expressway. Your quest will take you toward the storied climes of Phahon Yothin Road, with the Victory Monument gleaming in the distance will be your beacon. The Rama IX (Ratchada) exit is another promising path, unfurling gently into Din Daeng and Vibhavadi boulevards.
And for those navigating the Si Rat Expressway, heed the call of the Ploenchit exit (on its northernly side), as it guides you onto Asok Road, from whence you can orchestrate a smooth jaunt toward the welcoming environs of Din Daeng and Vibhavadi.
On the inbound front, as one sails towards the dreams of Bang Na, the Si Rat Expressway remains your trusty companion. It bids you embark at the Bang Sue toll plaza, conveniently nested before the Mor Chit Bus Terminal 2, or perhaps at the Klong Prapa 2 toll plaza, stoically positioned before the venerable Ministry of Finance.
So fret not, brave traveler, for while the Din Daeng toll plaza indulges in its well-deserved repose, your explorations can endure, albeit with a slightly revised map. Let these nighttime adventures lead you through new streets and avenues, all while the city glimpses a silent waltz under the stars, and the crane tower makes its unceremonious exit.
Here’s to smooth journeys and celestial detours, until the sun rises to reclaim the day once more.
I honestly feel like these nighttime road closures should have been planned better. Do they really expect people to change their routines with just a week’s notice?
Well, emergencies like this aren’t really planned. I mean, who expects an earthquake to nudge a crane onto a highway?
True, but it’s frustrating nonetheless. I just wish they’d find a way to fix these things without disrupting people’s lives.
I agree with Michael. But at least it’s happening at night when most people are asleep.
Exat seems to be doing a good job considering the circumstances. I’m thankful they’re offering alternative routes!
Exactly! As someone working on this, I can say the crews are doing their best to fix this swiftly and safely.
Kudos to your team then! Stay safe out there.
I’m worried that the alternative routes will become overly congested. Has Exat considered this?
Change in traffic flow is inevitable. Maybe it’s a chance for more people to consider public transport or carpooling?
That’s a good point, Emma. Maybe I should rethink my driving habits.
What’s the big deal? These things happen. If anything, it’s an opportunity to explore a new way home!
Crane issues aside, I think these roads are a nightmare with or without closures. Time to invest in more cycling paths!
It’s fascinating how a minor earthquake can create such chaos. Makes you think about the safety of ongoing constructions in the city.
That’s an excellent point. Building codes should be stringent, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Yes, hopefully, this incident can be a learning opportunity for better precautions in the future.
Who needs sleep anyway? Midnight joyrides are where it’s at! Let’s look at this as an adventure!
Exactly! Late-night drives are the best. It’s a whole new world out there.
Glad someone else enjoys them too. Might even take one of those detours just for fun.
Are there any expected delays for people heading to the airport?
That’s a concern. I would leave home extra early just to be safe.
I work night shifts and this affects me directly. Hopefully, everything goes back to normal soon.
Hang in there, Sam! They seem to be working hard to fix it. Maybe catch a nap during the day?
Why not use drones or something to dismantle the crane piece by piece? It might solve the problem faster.
It’s so important that urban planning also considers emergency situations like these. Maybe smart city tech could help.
Heard about a crane toppling over due to an earthquake, and immediately thought of a mystery novel plot! Bit too real, though.
Hahaha! That’s true; reality sometimes mirrors fiction in unexpected ways.
I hope they ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Prevention is better than cure.
Reading news about construction disasters makes me anxious, but I’m glad to see everyone is safe!
Safety first, always. Kudos to the team handling this efficiently.
Wonder why such a thing isn’t made to be dismantled easily in emergencies? Cities should innovate more.