According to the head of the Expressway Authority of Thailand, new tollways planned for Phuket and Samui are expected to address the traffic challenges that currently hinder the islands’ potential as vacation destinations.
Exat Governor Surachet Laopoolsuk shared this insight during an interview with CU Radio at Chulalongkorn University on Sunday, stating that the new toll road in Phuket would help reduce both accidents and traffic congestion on the popular tourist island.
The project is still awaiting cabinet approval, which is anticipated later this year after resolving land issues with government agencies. The expressway is expected to be open to traffic by 2030.
The 35-kilometre expressway will be constructed in two phases, with the first stretching from Kathu district to Patong beach. The second phase will connect Kathu to Phuket airport.
Currently, the existing road, known as 4029, from Kathu to Patong traverses a mountain and includes steep descents and curves, making it prone to accidents. Mr. Surachet mentioned that the first phase would include a tunnel that would significantly reduce accidents.
The second phase aims to alleviate traffic congestion on Road 402, the main route linking the provincial center to the airport and the southern mainland. “Road 402 is unable to effectively handle traffic, especially during peak morning and evening hours,” he noted.
In addition, plans for an elevated road between mainland Surat Thani and Koh Samui are underway. This 30-kilometre bridge over the sea is expected to reduce long lines of vehicles at ferry ports and ease congestion during the holiday season on the island.
The Expressway Authority has yet to finalize the location for the mainland bridgehead, with Don Sak district in Surat Thani province and Khanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat both vying for the project and its associated developments.
Construction of the over-the-sea bridge is scheduled to begin in 2029, with an expected opening in 2034, contingent on cabinet approval.
