Saturday, at one minute past midnight, is when the road will be closed to allow the underpass contractor to dig the big hole across the junction from north to south, blocking all traffic from crossing the intersection from east to west and vice-versa.
The work will take up to three months, Project Engineer Chalermpol Wongkiattikun from the Department of Highways told The Phuket News this morning.
“Actually, I think, we will finish before March 1. But I have given that as the finish date just in case [there are holdups].”
He explained that the big trench across the intersection will mean it will be impossible to go straight through the intersection from Samkong (Yoawarat Rd) to Kathu (Phra Phuket Keaw Rd) and vice-versa.
It will also be impossible for traffic from Kathu to turn south or go straight on. Instead, drivers will have to go north to the Thanachart Bank, make a U-turn and come back to the lights.
Similarly, it will be impossible for traffic from Samkong to turn right or go straight on; drivers will have to go left, to the U-turn at the International Hospital, then go back to the lights.
Traffic from the north wanting to go to Kathu and traffic from the south wanting to go to Phuket Town will also have to go through the lights, do a U-turn and come back.
Mr Chalermpol added, “We have already had talks with the police. We will set up route maps and signs so that peple are well informed.”
Phuket Town Police Superintendent Sermphan Sirikong told The Phuket News, “We already know about this and the superintendent of traffic will talk with the construction people before they close the road.
“We have a plan to organise police to direct the traffic efficiently.”