The underpass is now expected to be completed “next month”, Chalermpon Wongkietkun, Project Engineer from the Highways Department, told The Phuket News today (Aug29).
“The heavy rain is the main problem preventing completion of the underpass. The only main work to be done is to tarmac the roads,” Mr Chalermpon said.
“The surfacing of the roads – both those above ground and through the tunnel itself – is the only major work that remains to be done, and we cannot do that while there is heavy rain.
“If the rain stopped for just one week, we would be finished within just one week,” Mr Chalermpon said.
“The roads entering and exiting the tunnel are done, but they look messy because the rain is preventing us from completing the final surfacing of those lanes,” he added.
Minor finishing touches, such as the installation of some roadside street lights, are also being delayed by the inability to surface the roads, Mr Chalermpon explained.
“These other final jobs, inside and outside the tunnel, will be done by no later than the end of September,” he assured.
Mr Chalermpon noted the the heavy downpours that have plagued the island for the past week will not affect traffic flow through the underpass.
“Four water pumps have been installed and are ready to be used in the tunnel. Plus, the drains along both sides of the underpass have been finished,” he said.