Don Mueang bridge renovations to start

The bridge to enter Don Mueang International Airport is to close until next September, with renovations for the bridge and its surrounding roads set to start this Monday.

Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) president Nitinai Srismatthakarn said the Department of Highways (DOH) has initiated the renovation project after persistent bottlenecking on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road affected passenger traffic and caused congestion in the area around the airport.

According to Mr Nitinai, the renovations will allow the outbound road to support three lanes of regular traffic.

Construction is due to begin at 10pm on Monday, and heavy machinery will be moved into the area on Saturday. The bridge is set to be demolished, and reconstructed with a new design prior to reopening next year.

During the renovations, outbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road will be closed from 10pm to 4am daily, with two detours being provided for motorists in the left lanes. During the daytime traffic will be able to flow as usual.

In the meantime, passengers heading into Don Mueang International Airport may choose three alternative routes, Mr Nitinai said.

According to him, passengers may choose to enter the airport via the first U-turn bridge located in front of the airport warehouse, the Don Mueang tollway or the third U-turn bridge, which is also known as the Royal Thai Air Force U-turn bridge.

Mr Nitinai said heavy congestion is expected throughout the duration of the renovation project.

He urged all passengers to be prepared to leave two to three hours earlier than they would normally, to make sure they do not miss their flights.