The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has commenced public hearings on four proposed routes for a bridge connecting the mainland to Trat’s popular Koh Chang island.
Exat’s deputy governor, Katpachon Udomthampakdee, stated that four bridge options have been outlined, featuring three potential locations on the mainland in Trat and four locations on the island—three in Ban Dan Mai and one in Ban Khlong Son.
The first two options will both begin at the 0.85-kilometer marker on Highway 3156 in Ban Nong Prue village, located in Laem Ngop district.
One option spans 9.82 kilometers and will arrive at the island at the 8.55-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Dan Mai.
The second option is 9.95 kilometers long and will also reach the island at the 6.75-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Dan Mai.
The third option, measuring 5.90 kilometers, will start at the 2.84-kilometer marker on Road 4006 in Ban Thammachat Lang, Laem Ngop district, and will connect to the island at the 5.30-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Dan Mai.
The fourth route is 5.59 kilometers long, starting at the 3.50-kilometer marker on Road 4006 in Ban Thammachat Lang, and reaching the island at the 1.90-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Khlong Son.
All four bridge options will be elevated enough to provide adequate clearance for shipping and will land on the island in sparsely populated areas to minimize impact. Additionally, the construction will not adversely affect the coral and seagrass around the island.
The planned construction of the new bridge is set to begin in 2029, with an anticipated opening in 2033.
