Expect traffic chaos, because the Ratchayothin flyover (above) must come down to make room for the Green Line train, and officials will mess up traffic for seven additional months to excavate a tunnel. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to move ahead with digging an underground tunnel at the Ratchayothin intersection after the Ratchayothin flyover is demolished to make way for the Green Line railway extension, despite serious consequences for traffic on Phahon Yothin Road.
The BMA, which was initially reluctant to agree to the MRTA plan to dig a tunnel for cars to cross the intersection because of the number of lanes that would have to be shut on Phahon Yothin Road, has finally approved the original plan after considering all the alternatives, according to Peerayuth Singpattanakul, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand governor, adding it is the best option in the long run.
After six critical months of heavy congestion while the tunnel is being constructed, the traffic should improve at least 70%, as the traffic lanes closed to dig the tunnel will re-open for motorists, he said.
Previously, the BMA had asked the MRTA for other construction options for the Green Line extension from Mor Chit to Khu Khot in Pathum Thani, arguing that digging a tunnel would have the worst impact on traffic during the construction period.
The MRTA had suggested that instead of razing the flyover, the rail track could be built two metres higher to run over the flyover.
But this option would need an environmental impact assessment, Mr Peerayuth said.
The delay in the BMA decision over how to proceed with the Green Line construction on the Ratchayothin intersection was caused by an internal dispute between different divisions about the construction options, an MRTA source said.
Having reached a decision, the next step is for the board of the MRTA to approve the BMA decision to dig a tunnel, which will take place on Wednesday, Mr Peerayuth said.
Meanwhile, the demolition of the Ratchayothin flyover will begin within the next two months, after the ongoing demolition of another flyover at the Kasetsart University intersection finishes.
Once the tunnel is completed and the Ratchayothin flyover is dismantled, the Green Line rail track will take an estimated three more years to build, he said.
The BMA is also seeking the right to manage the electric train services on the 12.8-kilometre-long section of the Green Line from Bearing to Samut Prakan, Mr Preerayuth said.
The BMA has agreed to pay the MRTA 17 billion baht for the costs of construction and land expropriation, he said.
In exchange, the BMA will gain the right to manage the train services on this particular extension of the Green Line, he added.
The MRTA and the BMA are in the process of drafting a memorandum of understanding about the agreement and will submit it for approval to the Transport Ministry’s Commission for the Management of Land Traffic on Monday, he said.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/680176/bma-to-dig-underground-tunnel-after-flyover-razed
