A section of the road that collapsed two weeks ago – the Patong Hill road from Kathu to Patong – has been partially re-opened today for a 2 hour trial, then will stay open if all goes ok.
Phuket’s governor made the announcement yesterday, alerting drivers of “small vehicles”, that they’ll be able to drive in a downhill lane (from the Patong side towards Kathu). If the trial goes “OK” then the downhill section of road will remain open.
The governor reports that engineers have examined the soil samples at the site and decided that it will be safe to open at least one lane at this stage. Repairs on the outside lanes continue after a new access route for trucks and backhoes was established yesterday so rocks and new foundation soils can be established under the road.
Heavier vehicles will not be allowed to use the downhill section of Patong Hill road at this stage.
Access for Kathu to Patong traffic is still closed at this stage – police are advising traffic going to Patong to take the Kamala-Patong road or the road from Karon.
Two other ‘roads to Patong’ are also in the works – one from Chalong which would link with the southern section of Patong, and the other which would take a new route starting just behind Tiger Kingdom and the Go Cart track on the Kathu side of the hill, and then meet up with the current Patong Hill road near the shrine at the top of the hill.
SCREENSHOT: Newshawk Phuket
SOURCE: The Phuket News/Newshawk Phuket
