BANGKOK, THAILAND – Confusion over a possible full shutdown of Rama II Road eased after the transport minister confirmed only part of the highway would close for emergency repairs.
Minister clarifies scope of closure
During a site visit, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that reports of a total shutdown were inaccurate.
“This is not a complete closure of the entire Rama II Road.”
said Phiphat, transport minister. Only the six main traffic lanes on a 3‑kilometre section between kilometre 29+100 and 32+100 were to be closed.
The restriction followed urgent works ordered after a fatal crane accident on 15 January in which two people died.
“The measure is for safety and is not intended to further burden traffic,”
said Phiphat, transport minister. Entry and exit ramps along the affected stretch remained open to vehicles.
Traffic plan to avoid gridlock
To prevent a traffic collapse, the Highway Department drew up a detailed diversion scheme. Drivers were being routed onto the four existing side lanes to keep vehicles moving past the work zone.
Access roads had been widened and on- and off-ramps adjusted to avoid bottlenecks. Police and traffic volunteers were deployed around the clock to manage flows and assist motorists.
For peak hours, officials prepared a reversible lane on the less congested side of the road. The aim was to maintain continuous movement despite the shutdown of the main carriageway.
Repairs scheduled through late March
The works were scheduled to last a maximum of 60 days, starting on 24 January and set to end on 27 March 2026. During this period, damaged bridge elements would be removed and concrete work carried out to connect the cantilever bridge over the Tha Chin River.
Construction firm Italian-Thai Development (ITD) was required to cover all repair costs. Independent experts were to supervise safety throughout the operation.
Possible sanctions for contractor
Phiphat signalled that legal consequences for the company were under active review.
“The government will act in accordance with the law,”
said Phiphat, transport minister. Penalties against the contractor were being examined.
Measures could include placing the firm on a blacklist if negligence was proven. Authorities stressed that the safety of citizens remained the top priority in all decisions.
Drivers urged to seek alternatives
Officials apologised for the disruption and asked all road users to plan their journeys in advance. Motorists were strongly advised to use alternative routes whenever possible, especially during rush hours when significant delays were expected.
Up‑to‑date information on traffic conditions and diversions was available via the Highway Department’s 24‑hour hotline at the toll‑free number 1586. The coming weeks were expected to test the patience of Bangkok commuters, with hopes pinned on effective traffic management to ease the impact.