Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsab told The Phuket News today that grate replacements and adjustments along the Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd – the prime traffic artery that runs in front of Jungceylon Shopping Centre – will conclude repairs carried out along various routes throughout Patong over recent months.
Meanwhile, she advised drivers using Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Sai Nam Yen Rd and Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd to continue to be cautious and patient with ongoing roadworks and drainage upgrades.
Currently, many sections of Rat-U-Thit Rd 200 Pi Rd – starting from the centrally-located shopping centre and heading south all the way to the three-way junction where the road ends and meets Prachanukroh Rd (near the Coconut Village) – have been reduced from two lanes to one lane, to allow room for the grate work to be completed.
The sections in repair have been marked by construction barriers and orange, hand-written signs to denote caution.
“We have been working on [improving] every route in Patong, which many vehicles depend on. The storm-drain [maintenence and repairs] will be finished soon,” she assured.
The grate repairs are among several measures that municipality officials hope will improve traffic flow and safety, as well as drainage efficiency, and thus reduce flooding by next rainy season, midyear.
See related story about Patong drainage inspections carried out in August.
“During the ‘low season’ we could not do much because there was a lot of rain. And now, in ‘high season’ there is little-to-no rain but lots of people around. It's [grate repairs] almost finished.”
Green means go
Mayor Chalermluck added that from January 20, authorities will start to activate and monitor several inactive traffic lights throughout town, which had only been shining yellow lights, contributing to much traffic confusion.
Traffic lights to get initial priority are those at junctions along Pung Mueang Sai Kor Rd – the route that passes Kathu Police Station, Patong Hospital and the back of Jungceylon Shopping Centre.
Mayor Chalermluck added that once the traffic lights have been activated, authorities will monitor traffic at the junctions closely to determine the optimal timing for colour changes, and adjust accordingly.