Traffic police in Phuket have issued maps to direct motorists to routes that will avoid the Heroines Monument area as the relocation of power poles continues north and south of the roundabout.
The power poles are currently being moved to allow for construction of an underpass at the roundabout, with traffic reduced to one lane coming into the Heroines Monument as a result.
The Phuket News reports that traffic police allocated one lane on the southbound side to northbound traffic from last Thursday, in a bid to improve congestion in the area. The relocation of the power poles is expected to be complete today.
Meanwhile, the total chaos expected once construction of the underpass begins will all be worth it, according to a report issued by the Phuket Public Relations Department.
An initial budget of 2.38 billion baht has been allocated to the “Tha Ruea Intersection Underpass Project”, with 1,574 square metres of land expropriated. The underpass will comprise 3 lanes under the monument, 2 for outbound traffic and 1 lane for inbound.
Above ground, the roundabout will comprise 2 lanes, with footpaths and a traffic light system. According to the report, the monument area will also be elevated by around 90 centimetres.
“This design aims to create an elegant and safe environment for road users while providing convenient access for those wishing to pay homage to the monuments.”
It’s understood the underpass will also have pedestrian walkways with entrances and exits and stairs and elevators at locations such as the Robinson mall and the jewellery outlet.
SOURCE: The Phuket News
