Nonthaburi: The ‘Maha Sawat Canal Bridge’ on the Bangkok-bound side of Ratchaphruek Road is set to be fully operational by June 20, marking a significant development in the region’s transportation infrastructure. This new addition is expected to enhance the efficiency of traffic flow, alleviate congestion, and reduce accidents, accommodating more than 120,000 vehicles daily. The outbound side is anticipated to open on June 20, 2025.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pongkawin Chongrungruangkit, Advisor to the Minister of Transport, led the opening ceremony of the bridge in Nonthaburi Province, joined by executives from the Ministry of Transport and members of the Bangkok Council. Mr. Pongkawin emphasized that the project aligns with government policies and aims to sustainably improve the quality of life by enhancing transportation flexibility and expanding the road network to meet travel demands.
The Department of Highways has completed the construction of the bridge, which now connects Maha Sawat Subdistrict, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province to Taling Chan Subdistrict, Taling Chan District, Bangkok. The outbound side will be accessible by June 20, 2025. The bridge construction project, managed by the Department of Rural Roads, was built on a budget of 1,181.515 million baht, covering a distance from km 12+850 to km 15+100.
Mr. Montree Dechasakulsom, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, detailed that the steel bridge, featuring two lanes in each direction and measuring 8.50 meters in width, stretches 2.10 kilometers on the inbound side and 1.90 kilometers on the outbound side. The project also includes drainage, lighting systems, and other miscellaneous works to ensure comprehensive infrastructure development.
The rapid development along Ratchaphruek Road, especially on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, has led to increased traffic volume, reaching up to 120,000 vehicles per day. This growth has strained Ratchaphruek Road, leading to safety concerns and frequent accidents, particularly at the Mahasawat Canal Bridge, a notorious bottleneck. The Department of Rural Roads initiated this construction project within the existing road area to effectively address traffic congestion and enhance safety and travel efficiency for road users.