After several delays, the construction of a new overpass over the Na Ranong intersection in Bangkok’s Klong Toey district is finally nearing completion. According to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the overpass is expected to be finished early next month.
An agreement was signed in 2018 to complete the project by 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues have caused significant setbacks. Despite these challenges, the Department of Public Works has confirmed that construction is now 91% complete. The only remaining tasks are to paint traffic lines and install fences.
The new overpass replaces a 20-year-old structure that ran from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre along Ratchadaphisek Road. The previous overpass was demolished to make way for the new one. In addition, the construction company was asked to expand the four-lane overpass from the Penang Market to Nonsiwitthaya School from 1.95 km to 2.65 km.
Two other sections of the project were completed and launched last year, but the land transfer process from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) resulted in additional delays.
Governor Chadchart has instructed the Department of Public Works to expedite construction to ensure the overpass is open by June 1. The department assured the public that the overpass will be open to traffic in the early morning of the first day, but it will temporarily close overnight for minor work for about a month.