After years of planning and months of delays, construction of a subterranean traffic-bypass tunnel under Sukhumvit Road has begun. Contractors have started removing the 14 high-mast electric posts, seven billboards, two directional signs, five traffic lights, 256 trees, a large LED screen and the pedestrian bridge near Pattaya School No. 5 needed to begin construction.
Contractors start clearing work zone for Sukhumvit-Central roads tunnel
After years of planning and months of delays, construction of a subterranean traffic-bypass tunnel under Sukhumvit Road has begun.
Contractors on Jan. 13 began clearing the construction zone, a kilometer-long stretch of Sukhumvit near the Central Road intersection. They will remove 14 high-mast electric posts, seven billboards, two directional signs, five traffic lights, 256 trees, a large LED screen and the pedestrian bridge near Pattaya School No. 5.
After years of planning and months of delays, construction of a subterranean traffic-bypass tunnel under Sukhumvit Road has begun. Contractors have started removing the 14 high-mast electric posts, seven billboards, two directional signs, five traffic lights, 256 trees, a large LED screen and the pedestrian bridge near Pattaya School No. 5 needed to begin construction.
The center median, currently a flower bed, also will be removed and the dirt paved to create an additional traffic lane while side lanes are closed over the next three years.
Underground water pipes also have to be removed, which will cause shortages for neighbors. Contractors have assured the work will be done quickly.
Traffic lights in certain areas near the construction site will have to be turned off before removing the traffic islands, which will be operated in the evenings.
The construction schedule has not been confirmed, so no date has been set yet for the actual “big dig.” Before that can happen, utility and cable-television companies must meet with contractors and remove their wires and pipes.
Workers have started clearing away obstacles so that construction for the subterranean bypass can begin.
The Provincial Electrical Authority recently had installed underground power cables east of Siam Country Club as a backup power system for the neighborhood. However, that will also need to be removed, which will cause power disruptions for residents in north and central Pattaya and those along the railway road.
A meeting will be held soon to discuss plans for how to remove electrical wires, water lines and all other obstacles without causing too much disruption.
