Photo credit: Pornprom Satrabhaya
The construction of the Rama X Bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River has been completed, with Exat Governor Surachet Laophulsuk announcing that His Majesty the King will lead the opening ceremony on December 14.
Mr. Surachet indicated that the bridge, officially named “Saphan Thotsamarachan” through royal decree, is anticipated to open for traffic by the end of December or in early January at the latest.
This new cable-stayed bridge is part of an 18.7-kilometer elevated road that connects the Rama III-Dao Khanong expressway with Bangkok’s Western Beltway. It also integrates with the Chaloem Maha Nakhon and Si Rat expressway systems.
The bridge spans 780 meters, connecting the Rat Burana district on the Thonburi side to the Yannawa district in Bangkok, running parallel to the Rama IX Bridge.
According to Mr. Surachet, the bridge features a 450-meter mid-span and eight traffic lanes, making it the widest bridge in the country. It is designed to withstand earthquakes and winds up to 270 km per hour.
The bridge is expected to handle around 150,000 vehicles daily.
Mr. Surachet noted that the design of the bridge honors His Majesty the King, featuring sculptures of a golden yellow Naga on four pillars, which symbolize the year of His Majesty’s birth, alongside a pattern of the Yellow Starflower, the tree associated with King Rama X, on the bridge fences.
A celebration in honor of His Majesty the King will take place on December 14, immediately following the opening ceremony.
He mentioned that the bridge has been open for pedestrian access and sightseeing since early this year, though it has not been available for vehicles due to the incomplete construction of the vehicle entrance.
Following the inauguration of the Rama X Bridge, the Rama IX Bridge will be closed for a year of maintenance, marking its first major restoration in nearly four decades.
