The Transport Ministry will invest 6.6 billion baht in two bridge construction projects in the South after receiving approval from the cabinet on Tuesday, said Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
He said the Department of Rural Roads will oversee the projects. One is a 4.8-billion-baht bridge that crosses Songkhla Lake in Songkhla province and the other is a 1.85-billion-baht crossing that connects Krabi on the mainland to Koh Lanta.
Both projects will improve the living quality of locals and shorten travel times, he said.
The bridge over Songkhla Lake will span seven kilometres starting from tambon Koh Yai in Krasae Sin district to tambon Jong Thanon in Khao Chaison district of Phatthalung.
The two-lane bridge will be connected to Highway No.4 (Phetkasem Road) and will shorten the travel distance between the two provinces by 80km, saving about two hours, he said.
The Koh Lanta bridge will be 2.2km in length, starting from Road No.4206 in tambon Koh Klang on the mainland of Krabi to rural road 5035 on Koh Lanta. The two-lane bridge will replace some ferry services for greater convenience.
This will greatly reduce the travel time from two hours to a couple of minutes, he said, adding locals can travel to the mainland at their convenience, especially when taking patients to hospital.
People will no longer have to rely on the ferry service, which only operates twice a day.
Construction of both bridges will start next year and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
According to Mr Saksayam, they will serve as new landmarks in the South and help boost tourism in the future.