New bridge over Chao Phraya open for pedestrian sightseers

A new cable-stayed bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River is now open for pedestrians to tour and to view Bangkok’s high rises and skyline until next Sunday.

The bridge, named Thotsamarachan (Rama 10), is scheduled to open to traffic on January 29th.

Hundreds of pedestrians toured the bridge yesterday, taking selfies and pictures of the panoramic view of Bangkok from the bridge, which is 41 metres above mean sea level, or as high as the Rama 9 bridge.

Entertainment is available and various food stalls are open daily from 4pm to 10pm until next Sunday.

The bridge links Bangkok with Suksawat Road and the western ring road in Thon Buri. It has eight traffic lanes and is 780 metres long. It is the widest bridge across the Chao Phraya River and is connected with the Srirat and Chalerm Maha Nakhon elevated expressways.

It is estimated that about 150,000 cars will use the bridge daily, when it is open to traffic.

According to the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the owner of the project, the bridge was built using the latest technologies and construction innovations and can withstand wind speeds of over 270kph, or tornado strength.

It was also designed with a blend of modern and traditional Thai architecture.