PATTAYA – The Provincial Electricity Authority will begin digging up North Road on Monday as it launches the second phase of its project to bury utility wires throughout the city.
Mayor Anan Charoenchasri met with PEA deputy project manager Boonlua Eingbanrungpan and other city officials Feb. 7 to map out the schedule for the last eight “big digs” the PEA has planned.
Following the model it used on Central Road last year, the utility’s contractor, Burapa Technical Engineering Co., will close 200 meters of one lane going each direction on North Road starting at Sukhumvit Road and working its way to the Dolphin Roundabout.
Barriers will be set up and lights at night to avoid accidents. Construction is expected to last through May 30.
The North Road project is the first phase in a 3-billion-baht overhaul of Pattaya’s electrical system, part of the PEA’s 11.7-billion-baht upgrade of its infrastructure in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima by 2021.
In all, 46 kilometers of overhead wiring will be moved below ground. The Pattaya overhaul also includes construction of underground distribution systems, high-voltage distribution systems with overhead ground wires, and communications support work.
Following North Road, the PEA has plans to submerge power and utility lines on Walking Street and parts or all of Second, Third, South and Sukhumvit roads, as well as Soi Lenkee and Soi Buakhao.
Plans for the entire project are 90 percent complete and expected to span a total 420 days.
