The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) is fast-tracking a review of the ambitious 2.25-kilometer elevated roadway project that promises to seamlessly link Bangkok Port in the bustling district of Klong Toey directly with the Bang Na-At Narong Expressway. It’s a project giving urbanistas something to talk about! Director Kriengkrai Chaisiriwongsuk, the man at the helm, proudly announced that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) is all wrapped up and ready to make its grand entrance into the hallowed halls of the Ministry of Transport this year.
The PAT is meticulously dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, ensuring everything is aligned perfectly with their grand master plan before the project gets paraded in front of the PAT’s board, the Ministry of Transport, and ultimately, the cabinet. If it dances through these stages with flying colors, it will officially be woven into the fabric of the Bangkok Port master plan, itself currently enjoying a review makeover.
Amidst the grand plans, there’s a whirlwind of activity, involving design studies and investment plots, prioritizing the initial phase involving a stupendous 520-rai area of port development. Mr. Kriengkrai did mention that construction sketches might get a little refinement, but key features like the entry and exit points are non-negotiable—they’re locked in, ensuring no scuffle with the already approved EIA. It’s like planning a heist movie, only legit!
Even though public enthusiasm hasn’t wavered—no torches and pitchforks here—another public hearing is slated before the workforce revs up their engines. It’s quite the diplomatic affair, involving around 101 families ready to pack their bags. Fret not, as they’re being taken care of—temporary digs at the Klong Toey Port flats await before they move into the futuristic sounding Klong Toey Smart Community. A move up in the world with a dash of excitement!
This roadway spectacle, setting off from Terminal 3 of Bangkok Port, will cost a cool 4.4 billion baht. It’ll proudly include four lanes, swaggering along At Narong Road, elegantly crossing Klong Phra Khanong, and sidling over the nostalgic old Pak Nam railway line. The pièce de résistance? A theatrical split into ramps, cascading access to the expressway S1, and ushering travelers towards the grand Burapha Withi and Chaloem Maha Nakhon expressways.
With four toll gates to conquer before one can hit the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway, there’s a lot to unpack. All in all, it’s a masterpiece in the making, destined to change the commute game in Bangkok, and possibly becoming the talk of the town!
I can’t believe they’re actually going through with this! An elevated roadway sounds like a dream come true for reducing traffic congestion.
Dreams don’t always come true. What about the environmental impact? Has anyone considered the long-term effects?
They’ve done an EIA, Sue. I think they’re on top of it. Plus, it’s better to have a plan than be stuck in traffic!
Sue’s right, though. EIAs aren’t foolproof, and these projects can still end up being environmentally damaging, especially if they’re rushed.
Finally, some progress in dealing with Bangkok’s never-ending traffic woes. But I wonder how much maintenance costs will pile up over time.
Ridiculous! All this money wasted when they could improve public transport instead. Why more roads?
Public transport would be ideal, but having better roads is necessary too. Balance is key. Besides, more roads might ease some pressure from congestion.
Exactly! It’s about time we get infrastructure that’s worth the investment.
Living in Klong Toey, I think this could boost our local economy big time. Bring on the changes!
Hey KlongToeyLocal, as long as your community can handle the transition. What about those hundreds of families moving for this project?
Good point, but they’re getting better housing eventually. And the flats in the meantime aren’t bad.
Does it mean I’ll get faster internet at Klong Toey Smart Community? 😂
Knowing Thai bureaucracy, expect delays and more costs. An expressway sounds good, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
Couldn’t agree more, Pat! We’ve seen this game before.
Infrastructure like this has potential to increase GDP, but one must consider if the expected economic boosts outweigh environmental and social costs.
It’s a gamble, for sure. But waiting for perfect isn’t an option when the city is choking on its own traffic.
The idea of a smart community sounds like it’s from a sci-fi novel! But what about real urban problems? Do they really think tech can solve everything?
The elevated road connects directly to major expressways. Travelling to other provinces will be a breeze! Could make weekend trips so much more doable.
More traffic demands more than pretty roads. Better traffic management is crucial, or we’ll just end up with bigger bottlenecks.
Can’t help but feel excited! The project might have flaws, but it’s a step forward in solving our city’s traffic problem.