The Darasamut Underpass is the first of three “tunnel projects” to be completed along the bypass road. The other two – one at the Sam Kong Intersection in front of Tesco Lotus, and another at the Bang Khu Intersection at the northern junction of the bypass road with Thepkrasattri Rd – are still under construction.
Each underpass comes with a hefty price tag. The Bang Khu Underpass will also cost about B600 million, but the Sam Kong Underpass will cost about B834 million, including the waylaid project to install drains along the section of road in front of Index Living Mall.
The yet-to-start Chalong Underpass, borrowing under Chalong Circle, will cost another B550 million by the time that project is finally complete.
But do underpasses work? To this The Phuket News focused on the only working example on the island, and asked readers: “Do you think that the completion of the Darasamut Underpass has been effective in reducing traffic congestion along the bypass road (Chalermprakiet Ror IX Rd)?”
A total of 13% respondents to the poll answered: “Yes, it has greatly improved.”
But a huge 79% of respondents voted: “Yes, it has improved but congestion now builds up in other areas close to the junction.”
Only 6% of pollsters responded, “No, it has made no difference at all”, while only one person – a Thai national – responded that he/she still still avoids the area at all costs.
For the full poll results, click here.
To vote in our latest poll, asking, “How far should venues selling alcohol be from schools or other ‘education institutions’?” click here.