Phuket Highways Chief Samak Luadwonghat said that the systsms are about 50 per cent ready and are pending crucial back-up electrical systems to be installed by the regional electric authority.
Mr Somsak explained that the decision to open up the underpass to traffic yesterday was the only way to alleviate a heavy traffic jam caused by flooding on top of the underpass.
He noted that while some floodwater had drained and temporarily flooded the underpass as cars passed through (see video below) it was not hazardous and as soon as the initial jam cleared the underpass was closed and the water swiftly pumped out.
Mr Somsak explained that the final pumping system will have three pumps – one main and two backups – and a backup electrical system (in the case of blackout) will also be implemented before the underpass is ready for official opening.
Following is a video of the first unofficial drive-thru on Saturday.