EXAT has also set a target of 2018 for opening the tunnel to traffic.
During a visit to Phuket earlier this week with the Senate Sub-committee on Communications to inspect work related to expansion of Phuket International Airport and roadways, Sintop Sirisingh, EXAT vice governor in charge of the Technical Section, told reporters his office is studying a budget for the Patong Tunnel, beginning in fiscal year 2013, just six weeks from now.
He described the project as a “raised expressway” aimed at “solving traffic problems” and improving access to the popular tourist resort.
The tunnel project received preliminary approval during the March mobile Cabinet meeting in Phuket.
Then, the Communications Ministry was ordered to study additions that should be made to the plan, and Patong’s municipal office was instructed to consult nearby tambons about any additional funding needed.
The budget was set at B5.556 billion and EXAT was assigned the task of studying the construction project between Kathu and Patong.
“EXAT has plans for studying appropriate engineering, financing, and environmental impact of the project, and has a detailed plan for implementation in fiscal year year 2013, with projected opening in 2018,” Mr Sintop said.
He said his office has already met with Phuket’s provincial office, Patong’s municipal government, public sector agencies, and local members of the private sector.
“Representatives from every relevant body extended their approval and are happy to support the project,” he added.
Regarding the project’s engineering, economic considerations, financing, environmental impact and design details, Mr Sintop gave a list of “important points”:
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Motorcycles will be allowed to use the tollway;
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Areas for use as parking lots at the tunnel entrances are being looked at;
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Construction of a dual carriageway is being considered, to facilitate evacuation in case of natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis;
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Also being studied is how best to connect the tunnel to the main road network leading to Phuket Town and Phuket International Airport.
He said EXAT’s plan differs from the original municipality. “Entry and exit [in the EXAT plan] is more efficient. The old plan required traffic signals at the turn-offs. This new plan features a raised carriageway the whole length of the project,” with access via on-ramps.
The toll booth system, a control centre, the electrical system, “and conveniences, such as emergency telephones and closed-circuit video cameras” are all included in EXAT’s studies.
As the project now stands, access in Kathu will be 850 metres beyond Highway 4029 kilometre marker 0; from there a raised, four- or six-lane carriageway will be constructed 577 metres to the two-way tunnel bored through the mountain to Patong.
At the other end, access will also be via raised carriageway “to reduce traffic problems and provide convenience to users.” The total length will be 3.08 kilometres.
Mr Sintop said the EXAT project is more expensive than the Patong Municipality proposal, “because it features a raised carriageway.”
As for the final shape of the project, and where the on-ramps and carriageways will be placed, Mr Sintop said, “We are still waiting for the results of feasibility and design studies.”
He did not mention what toll rates are being considered.
– Source: Manager Online