Phase 1 of construction will see 150 metres of Chao Fa West Rd reduced to single lane traffic each way, starting from the northwest side of Chalong Circle, explained Chalermpol Wongkiattikun, project engineer from the Department of Highways.
“But before we start work on this section, we will upgrade Soi Yodsane 2 and Soi Phratthana, which both connect with Chao Fa West Road a few hundred metres north of Chalong Circle, so motorists can use those two roads to access Patak Rd, which goes over the hill to Kata,” he said.
Motorists travelling north-south past Chalong Circle and to get to Chalong Pier will be required to use Chao Fa East Road.
“Motorists can use Luang Pho Chaem Road (from Wat Chalong to Phuket Country Home) to transit between Chao Fa East Rd and Chao Fa West Rd in order to access the correct road and continue their journeys,” Mr Chalrempol said.
Motorists looking to avoid traffic snarls early may instead Kwang Rd further north to switch between Chao Fa East Rd and Chao Fa West Rd, he added.
Mr Chalermpol also re-confirmed today that the underpass is to be built out with a budget of B546.55 million.
“Construction is expected to start late next month,” Mr Chalermpol said.
VIDEO: An artist's impression of what driving through the Chalong Underpass will look like....