The plan has a B36 billion cost tag.
PUBLISHED: 05:28 on September 5, 2023.
After conducting a 17-month initial feasibility study, the Expressway Authority of Thailand ( Exat) has suggested an underground way to replace an unpopular portion of the N1 Expressways growth.
Exat government Surachet Laophulsuk stated on Monday that the subway was the most practical option after taking into account a number of factors, including engineering, investment costs, and economic impact.
The 6.7 km subway, which will serve as the nation’s first expressway tunnel, may connect Prasertmanukit Road with the N2 Expressway after traveling along Ngarmwongwan Road via Phongphet, Bang Khen, and Kaset Intersections.
He claimed that out of the three options under consideration, the hole has an overall rating of 82.5, an estimated 36 billion baht expense, and a 17 % internal economic return rate.
According to him, Exat is in great financial shape and is thinking about investing in the task itself. He also said the organization might think about issuing bonds to raise money for the building.
According to Mr. Surachet, the environmental impact assessment will be completed in May of the following year and submitted for government approval. Construction is expected to follow the following season, with a bidder tentatively scheduled for 2026.
Design is anticipated to take around five years, and in the first year of operation, the route’s complete daily traffic volume is estimated to be 70, 000 vehicles.
He expressed assurance that those who were concerned about the previous design’s environmental impact would approve the proposed subway.
According to Mr. Surachet, the three-phase road development’s north portion is split into two stages.
With a size of 11.3 miles and an expenditure of 16.9 billion baht, the second step, N2, connects Prasertmanukit Road to the northeast Outer Ring Road. The new government will soon receive the completed project for acceptance.
Following discussions with Kasetsart University and communities along the planned way, N1 Exat has carried out a feasibility study of alternate routes to remove the contentious area and develop the subway for the next stage.