The 50-metre section of the southbound side of the bypass road, starting from the Sam Kong Intersection, was reduced to one lane this afternoon.
Southbound traffic is now forced to either turn left toward Phuket Town or right toward Kathu.
Traffic lights will be installed as soon as possible, Phuket Highways Office Director Samak Luedwonghad told The Phuket News.
In the meantime, Phuket City Traffic Police are directing traffic at the busy intersection, he added.
“The road was to be remade as part of completing the project anyway, but now we have to remake it earlier in order to fix the damage right away,” he said.
“While the road works are being carried out, we urge drivers of all heavy vehicles, such as big trucks and tour buses, to avoid the area.
“Also, traffic from Yaowarat Rd intending to head southbound on the bypass road must now first pass through the Tesco Lotus car park in order to join the bypass road south of the road works, Mr Samak added.