CHIANG RAI, 13 May 2014 – Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt revealed on Monday that construction of a new stretch of highway number 118 that links Chiang Mai with Chiang Rai is expected to be completed in 2 months.
Mr. Chadchart was in Mae Lao district of Chiang Rai on Monday to inspect the progress of repairs to roads damaged by last week’s magnitude 6.3 earthquake. According to him, a stretch of route 118 needed to be shifted away from its current subsidence-prone spot, and construction of the new stretch would entail a budget of 25 million baht. He added the old stretch was situated near the recent quake’s epicenter.
Mr. Chadchart said he has urged the Highways Department to quickly survey and repair damages that occurred on other roads, as well as at bridges.
The Transport Minister also said all repairs have been finished at the passenger terminal and the air traffic control tower at Chiang Rai airport and normal function has resumed at the two structures.
