Pattaya expressway may be scrapped

Pattaya expressway may be scrapped

The planned 68-kilometre, 50-billion-baht Buraphavithi-Pattaya Expressway project will likely be scrapped after facing strong resistance from people living along the route, according to a project adviser.

"The financial return from the project is estimated to be low and many residents along the way do not want it so we think it might not be worthwhile to proceed," said Kerati Kijmanawat, a project adviser, at the fourth and last public hearing in Si Racha on Sunday.

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the project's owner, earlier hired three consultants - Index International Group Co Ltd, Asian Engineering Consultants Co Ltd and Enrich Consultants Co Ltd - to conduct a 21-month feasibility study on the new route in the areas of engineering, economic return, finance and the environment.

They looked into eight routes and held three hearings in which many people expressed their disagreement.

"The Buraphavithi-Pattaya expressway can ease eastbound traffic congestion and reduce travel time. But the financial study found the project would yield low return.

"At this stage, we think the project is no longer viable," Mr Keerati said.

The consultant will report its finding conclusion to the EXAT.

"We need to rely on upgrades to existing infrastructure to reduce the eastbound traffic congestion such as expanding the motorway and improving secondary roads."

Montri Atichakaro, a villager leader, said the project had been opposed by residents along the way.

"We're pleased to learn from the consultant company that it will be scrapped."

The 55-kilometre, six-lane Buraphavithi Expressway or Expressway 4 is an elevated highway with six lanes. It starts from the end of Chalermmahanakorn Expressway in Bang Na by using the street island on Highway No. 34 at Bangna-Bangpakong heading to the east, crossing Bang Pakong River and ending in Chon Buri province. 

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