The Phuket Highways Office issued a public notice confirming that improvement works are underway at the Samkong Underpass and the Darasamut Underpass from today through Mar 30.
Phuket Highways Chief Winai Kumuang said the project involves resurfacing the road surface inside the underpasses only, with work being carried out one lane at a time.
“At all times, one lane inside the tunnel will remain open to traffic,” he explained. “The other lane in the underpass will be unaffected while work continues.”
Work on the northbound lanes of both underpasses began simultaneously today. Crews will operate around the clock in an effort to complete the works as quickly as possible, Mr Winai said.
Once resurfacing of the northbound lanes is completed, work will switch to the southbound lanes under the same traffic management arrangement.
The roads above the underpasses will not be affected by the project.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra travel time while the works are underway. Officials apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Wichit Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wutthiwat Liangboonjinda confirmed today that despite the roadworks affecting both underpasses, only the Darsamut Underpass will have the large vehicle ban to come into effect on Mar 1.
Under a new regulation issued on Jan 30 by Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, in his capacity as Chief Traffic Officer of Phuket Province, large vehicles will be prohibited from using the underpass between 6am and 9pm.
The restriction applies to trucks with three axles or more, 10-wheel trucks and articulated trucks, as well as large passenger buses with more than 30 seats.