PUBLISHED: 17 Mar 2025 at 05: 52
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is accelerating the completion of the Kiakkai Bridge over the Chao Phraya River with the goal of completing it by 2026.
Tawatchai Napasaksri, the chairman of the BMA’s Public Works Department, provided an upgrade on bridge jobs that fall under the BMA’s purview. These are included in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region ( BMR ) master plan for bridges across the Chao Phraya. The Kiakkai Bridge initiative, which is located near the Kiakkai crossing in Bangkok’s Dusit region, is one of them.
According to Mr. Tawatchai, the task is broken up into three phases. On the Thon Buri side of the river, an increased road and a road are being constructed. The base work is currently in progress, with completion expected in November of next year. However, work is stalled in line with routine as a result of delays in land acquisition, which prevents contractors from getting to specific places.
The bridge’s body and its access ramps, which are currently 33.2 % finished, are in focus during the second phase. It is anticipated to get finished in December of next year. Additionally, a tower crane is being used to help the pier head’s reinforcement work and the bony bridge’s assembly.
The Chao Phraya, which runs from the valley to the Saphan Daeng crossing, includes an increased road and a footpath on the Phra Nakhon area. The commission’s approval for a budget allocation is pending at this stage.
The Public Works Department is looking into ways to address customers issues as a result of the cancellation of plans to construct bridge between Chan and Charoen Nakhon and Lat Ya to Maha Phruttharam according to viability concerns.
The BMA had to conduct an additional environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) for the Chan–Charoen Nakhon bridge project due to a number of obstacles. The construction program was also opposed by people. However, the Lat Ya–Maha Phruttharam gate was constrained by area because of the growth of tall buildings like Taksin Hospital and improvements in public system, like the BTS Gold Line.
Moreover, public criticism and many historic locations within a 1 km circle, including Wat Thong Noppakhun, Wat Thong Thammachat, and Masjid Saifee, all contributed to the project’s withdrawal.