“Motorists travelling northbound on Thepkrasattri Rd, from Phuket Town to Phuket International Airport, now must use one lane on the right hand side of the tunnel site,” explained Project Engineer Somkiet Yimpong, of contractor Italian-Thai Development Co Ltd (Ital-Thai).
“When they reach the junction itself, they must still turn left onto the bypass road then make a u-turn in front of the Premium Outlet Mall so they can continue their journey north,” he added.
“Motorists travelling northbound must be very careful as they will be in the one lane heading north against two lanes heading south, all on the east side of the tunnel works,” he explained.
Previously, traffic on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound had the safe privilege of a dedicated lane to the left of the tunnel works, making the left-hand turn onto the bypass road safer.
Southbound traffic remains unchanged by the new traffic flow, Mr Somkiet stressed.
Further lane changes are expected next month, when the project enters Phase 2, he told The Phuket News.
“We expect to announce by February 15 that the northbound traffic (on Thepkrasattri Rd) can once again travel safely on dedicated northbound lanes on the west side of the tunnel works,” Mr Somkiet said.
“Construction of the entire project is nearly 30 per cent complete, which is well ahead of schedule. Phase I is complete and we are about to enter Phase 2.
“I am confident that the Bang Khu Underpass will be finished before the contract deadline, on September 14, 2017,” he added.