As December unfolds, setting the stage for the much-anticipated New Year festivities, the Transport Ministry in Bangkok has taken critical measures to ease travel during this bustling time. An official directive has been issued to pause all construction activities along the bustling Rama II Road corridor beginning from December 26th to January 2nd. It’s an eight-day hiatus aimed at ensuring a smoother flow for the revelers keen on traveling to the South, as articulated by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. He emphasized, “We’ve instructed the restoration of the road surface as extensively as possible to aid travelers.” He also advised prospective travelers to familiarize themselves with alternative routes to circumvent potential traffic snarls during the festive period.
The move comes in the wake of a dramatic mishap — a crane catastrophe on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon. On the cool, pre-dawn hours of November 29th, tragedy struck at the construction site of the elevated Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo Intercity Motorway 82 (M82), resulting in the loss of six workers and injuries to nine others. This incident has spotlighted safety concerns, prompting Mr. Suriya to instruct associated ministry agencies, such as the Department of Highways (DoH), the Department of Rural Roads, and others, to team up with the Ministry of Finance. Their goal is to thoroughly assess contractor performance. Contractors not adhering to safety protocols face being downgraded in their “Contractor’s Notebook,” a record that’s essential for their continued government business.
Minister Suriya highlighted, “In the upcoming two weeks, we will delineate the regulations for the Contractor’s Notebook and engage further discussions with the Comptroller General’s Department.” Such vigilant measures aim to prevent future mishaps by ensuring only qualified and responsible contractors are engaged in governmental projects.
Concerning the investigation into the M82 collapse, Apirat Chaiwongnoi, the Department of Highways’ director-general, revealed the establishment of a fact-finding panel. This task force includes representatives from the Engineering Institute of Thailand and the Council of Engineers to provide a comprehensive analysis. The findings are expected to be unveiled by mid-December.
Meanwhile, engineering teams have commenced the rigorous task of safely lifting the three concrete bridge segments and dismantling steel structures at the collapse site. Complete removal of debris is anticipated around the same timeline as the investigation results.
In other noteworthy news, the Ministry of Transport forecasts a significant uptick in travel activity as the New Year approaches. A staggering 17 million personal vehicle trips are predicted into and out of Bangkok, marking a 16 million increase compared to previous years. Public transportation isn’t left behind, with an equal number of trips projected on buses, trains, boats, and planes. Within Bangkok and its environs, travel is expected to hit 12 million, across provincial lines at 2.3 million, and international journeys at 1.8 million during the festive season.
As the city braces for this travel surge, the temporary construction suspension on Rama II Road appears to be a prudent step toward ensuring mobility for millions. So, buckle up, plan your route wisely, and prepare for a festive season filled with joy, travel, and cherished moments.
Pausing construction seems like a smart move, but why wait until a disaster to act?
I agree, Anna. It feels reactive rather than proactive. Could they have foreseen this?
Exactly, Joe! Regular safety checks might prevent such tragedies.
As a civil engineer, I can tell you that construction sites are inherently risky. What’s needed is better adherence to protocols.
How are we supposed to trust contractors after such negligence?
Right? They should blacklist those who fail in safety assessments.
The ‘Contractor’s Notebook’ sounds like a step in the right direction, but how effective will it be?
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of lives. Safety first should always be the rule!
Totally agree. And not just during the holiday rush!
Sadly, economic pressures often override common sense in construction projects.
Restoration of the road surface will help traffic, but are alternative routes really viable?
It depends on your patience. Alternatives are usually slower and less direct.
I’m curious about the projected travel figures. 17 million personal vehicle trips? Insane!
Those numbers are staggering! Imagine the gridlock and pollution.
Makes a strong case for more public transport investment, don’t you think?
Indeed, but can public transport handle that volume?
Does anyone know if this affects bus routes? I plan to take the bus to Phuket.
I’m sure transport authorities will issue updates. Stay tuned!
Halt is good, but isn’t this about PR? Safety should be ongoing, not just holiday driven.
PR move or not, it eases the holiday rush, so it’s beneficial.
I hear you! Safety is indeed a continuous process, but holidays are critical pressure points.
Fascinating how economic activities spike travel numbers. Will this trend continue post-New Year?
Good question. It might decline slightly, but Bangkok seems to always be bustling!
I live near Rama II. The chaos after the crane accident was surreal.
Stay safe! Hope authorities manage traffic better this time.
I really hope the investigation brings some accountability to those responsible.
Christmas is around the corner! Anyone thinks the halt will actually help traffic? Debris removal will bottleneck it!
Ministry of Transport has too much on its plate! Both traffic and construction crises require different bureaucracies.
Bangkok needs to address air quality as seriously as traffic. The New Year pollution levels will be bad.
Pollution indeed! If only sustainable initiatives matched travel growth.
Concerning traffic, will there be more police on duty? Crowds can become unmanageable!
They should be planning for that. Otherwise, chaos might ensure.