One in-bound lane at Dao Khanong toll plaza reopened today

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EAT) has reopened one inbound traffic lane, for access to Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway from Dao Khanong toll plaza on the Rama 2 Road, after workers have succeeded in removing the debris of a collapsed bridge from the road surface faster than expected.

EAT Governor Surachet Laopoonsuk said today that he believes the reopening of even a single lane will ease traffic inbound congestion on Rama 2 Road, a main route from southern provinces into the capital.

He said that the efforts to clear the road of collapsed bridge wreckage, which was under construction as part of the elevated expressway project, are now 70% complete thanks to the men and heavy machinery which have been working around the clock since the accident last Friday.

Surachet said that it will, however, take about 30 days for the out-bound lanes to be reopened to normal traffic.

Six people, including a Thai engineer were killed and about 20 others injured in the collapse, the cause of which is being investigated.

Pol Maj-Gen Thawat Wongsa-nga, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, however, has advised motorists not to use this route if it is not necessary.

Traffic signs have been erected along Rama 2 Road, advising Bangkok-bound motorists to use a detour via the expressway to the Suksawat-Rama 2 intersection, then turn right towards the Bhumibol Bridge. This route may also be congested though, because the Purple Line train track, between Taopoon and Rat Burana, is currently under construction.