Ratchayothin Flyover, the major bridge that eases traffic on Paholyothin Road, has been closed since last night to prepare for its demolition. This, of course, resulted in a severe traffic jam during rush hour this morning.
The plan is to replace the Ratchayothin Flyover with a tunnel to make way for the extention of the BTS Green Line. Since 10pm last night, the bridge has been closed on both sides of Ratchadapisek Road while the traffic lanes going around the bridge on each side have been reduced from three to just one or two.
Since last night, all roads connected to Ratchayothin Junction are suffering the traffic impact of the closure. This includes the major residential areas of Vibhavadi Road and Lad Phrao Road. The traffic was also heavy on Phaholyothin Road throughout Kasetsart Junction.
The traffic steering subcommittee, led by Pol.Gen. Dechnarong Suthicharnbancha, said that the early closure and the lane reduction would prepare the public for construction.
A traffic condition assessment will be held on Dec. 6 to analyze the impact of the closure. If it seems feasible, the traffic steering subcommittee will announce the date for the demolition of the bridge and construction of the tunnel, reported Thairath
It was estimated that the demolition and construction will take about two years. Motorists who need to go through Ratchayothin Junction during that period should be prepared for longer traveling times, or they should find an alternate route.
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