Get ready for the grand reopening of the inbound lane on Rama II Road’s expressway! After the unfortunate bridge collapse last Saturday, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has rolled up its sleeves to ensure the road will be back in business by tomorrow. Yes, you heard that right! The good folks over at Italian-Thai Development (ITD) have been burning the midnight oil, with 90% of the demolition work already wrapped up. And, not only are they rebuilding roads, but they’ve also promised to take care of the victims’ compensation—a small win in the midst of the chaos.
In case you missed it, the whole fiasco unfolded on March 15. A hefty concrete beam took an unplanned nosedive onto the expressway’s main structure, resulting in a heart-wrenching loss of six lives and injuries to at least 22 others. In response, engineers have been elbow-deep in debris clearing at the Dao Khanong-Rama III expressway site. As of yesterday, a determined Mr. Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of EXAT, assured that repairs on the battered road would kick off as soon as the rubble is cleared.
While the inbound lane gears up to roll the red carpet for commuters, the outbound Dao Khanong expressway isn’t being left behind. It bore the brunt of the collapse, and right now, excavators are on overtime duty dismantling those mangled structures. Fingers crossed, it’ll soon follow suit in the reopening festivities.
As folks behind the scenes race against the clock, EXAT is at the forefront, fast-tracking restoration while keeping safety top of mind. Meanwhile, the cheerleaders at ITD, led by Secretary Woravudh Hiranyapaisansakul, are busy filing official reports to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, expressing their heartfelt condolences and apologies for the inconvenience caused on the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway.
Diving into the details, as part of the ITD-VCB joint venture, ITD is extending olive branches to those affected, devising compensation plans, and collaborating with project stakeholders, like engineering consultants, the Council of Engineers, government bodies, and insurance companies. With a project insurance of approximately 7.35 billion baht and allocations for EXAT assets and third-party liability, there’s hope amidst the hullabaloo.
Never one to miss a beat, Patricia Mongkhonvanit, captain of the Comptroller General’s Department, is already plotting a course to spruce up contractor evaluation. After all, when life gives you lemons—or collapses a bridge—you build a stronger (and better-evaluated) expressway!
Stay tuned, folks. It’s news like this that keeps the wheels of the world, and Rama II Road’s expressway, turning.
I’m relieved that the inbound lane of Rama II Road’s expressway is reopening so soon. The speed of recovery is impressive given the disaster.
It’s great they’re reopening fast, but rushing construction can lead to more accidents.
That’s a valid concern, Jack. I hope EXAT ensures everything is safe before reopening.
The speed shows efficiency, but also incompetence for the initial collapse. Fixing isn’t enough!
ITD is at fault here. They should ensure rigorous safety checks next time. Lives were lost, after all.
Agreed, proper protocols should’ve prevented this tragedy. Rebuilding isn’t as important as learning from mistakes.
I’m surprised with the low profile of this incident. Six lives were lost, and measures should go beyond reparations.
I know, right? Accountability should extend to thorough investigation. Has anyone been fired?
Exactly, Daniel! Heads need to roll to prevent a repeat occurrence.
Doesn’t the project insurance cover wrongful death? Compensation should be swift and fair.
Infrastructure development at the cost of human lives is unacceptable. Our safety should be prioritized over speed.
I don’t trust these companies. They should involve independent agencies for inspections.
Yes, third-party inspectors might ensure more transparency in the process.
Another day, another bridge collapse in some corner of the world. Will we ever learn?
Humans are prone to repeat history, unfortunately.
Stock market condolences mean little to the families of the victims. Real action is needed.
Thank goodness for Patricia Mongkhonvanit. We need more evaluators like her in the system.
Involvement of engineering consultants is a good step, but execution matters the most.
I hope the insurance claims process is not a nightmare for those involved.
With 7.35 billion baht insurance in place, you’d think they have a system ready to go.
The compensation can’t replace lives, but it’s a necessary step. Though I worry about justice being served.
Our infrastructure needs an overhaul. Let’s innovate for safety, not just fix problems.
I drive there often. This incident makes me rethink safety standards in our country.
Totally. I’m sticking to public transport for now. It’s much safer despite the occasional hiccup.
Yeah, Daniella. Avoiding the expressway feels like a cautious choice right now.
Impressed it’s opening so soon. Shows how determined the team is after the tragic event.