During the rush hour yesterday evening (Jan 20), traffic backed up for more than four kilometres, stretching from the Bang Khu Intersection to the PTT petrol station on the bypass road.
Wichit Police Deputy Chief Pol Lt Col Wutthiwat Liangboonjinda said long tailbacks on the bypass road were caused by roadworks being carried out by the Phuket Highway Office.
However, despite Wichit Police being responsible for managing traffic along the bypass road, he declined to comment further. Instead he directed any further queries to the Phuket Highways Office.
Newly appointed Phuket Highways Office Chief Winai Kumuang was unavailable for comment. However, Sorasak Thasakan, Head of Civil Engineering Planning and Operations at the Phuket Highways Office, confirmed the repairs would be carried out in stages.
“The project will be divided into sections, with each lane closure lasting about 10 days to minimise disruption,” Mr Sorasak said. “While one lane is closed for repairs, the other will remain open so vehicles can continue to pass.”
He said the overall project would be completed within one month and would not exceed 30 days. At present, only the northbound lanes require round-the-clock construction.
Mr Sorasak declined to comment on why the works were scheduled during the high tourism season, citing delays in the bidding process.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time while the repairs are ongoing.