More than 400 people showed up at a meeting held on Thursday to discuss plans to construct the two flyovers. Officials in attendance included Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat, Highway Department’s Samak Lerdwonghad, project engineers, and local government officials.
V/Gov Chokdee insisted on votes being cast after some residents continued to disapprove of the projects stating the flyovers would encroach their community and they wanted officials to find other solution to solve traffic problems on Thepkassattri Rd.
V/Gov Chokdee said, “Out of 339 residents in attendance, 259 people voted in favour of the projects, only 80 people voted against.
“Today we only wanted to see where we were with the projects. However, the long discussions we have had will help engineers adjust their plans before any construction takes place. Even though the majority have voted in favour, we will have another meeting soon where community leaders will vote and express their opinions on the project.”
Mr Lerdwonghad of the Phuket Highways added, “Due to increasing traffic congestion on the island, we need to have flyovers on Thepkassattri Rd to help solve the problem. We believe the flyovers will enhance the image of our infrastructure to be competitive with international standards.
“We plan to build two flyovers, the first, to be about 3.3 kilometres in length, will be constructed just before Thalang junction. The second will be about 1.38km from Thao Thepkassattri School. Both of these flyovers are aimed at easing traffic heading into Phuket town.
“Construction in these two areas will only have a minimal impact on locals, and they are suitable areas for traffic engineering,” he said.