The construction of a third bridge across Songkhla Lake, linking Krasae Sin district in Songkhla province with Khao Chaison district in Phatthalung, is expected to begin in 2023 ahead of it opening in 2026, Department of Rural Roads Director-General Apirath Chaiwongnoy said yesterday.
Mr Apirath said the design of the bridge had now been completed.
The project's environmental impact assessment has been endorsed by a committee from the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, pending final approval from the cabinet.
A proposal will now be put forward requesting 4.8 billion baht for the work from the 2023 budget, he said.
"Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2025, with the bridge slated to open in 2026," he said.
There are now two bridges across Songkhla Lake. The first is Chalae Bridge in the lower part of the lake, linking Singha Nakhon district of Songkhla and Pak Phayun district of Phatthalung.
The second is Chalerm Phra Kiat 80 Phansa Bridge in the upper part of the lake, linking Ranot district of Songkhla and Khuan Khanun district of Phatthalung.
The two bridges are 60 kilometres apart. Because of this, it takes about two hours for people in the central area of the lake to travel from one side to the other.
Local administrations, community leaders and residents of Krasae Sin and Khao Chaison districts had requested another bridge across the centre of the lake, said the department 's director-general.
The new bridge would run between rural road 4004 at Ban Laem Chong Thanon in Khao Chaison district, Phatthalung province, across Songkhla Lake in a northeasterly direction, and Ban Laem Yang in tambon Ko Yai of Krasae Sin district of Songkhla, Mr Apirath said.
Seven kilometres long with two traffic lanes expandable to four, it would be an extradosed structure, combining elements of a prestressed box girder bridge and a cable-stayed bridge.
It is also hoped that local art decorations can turn the structure into a new landmark, Mr Apirath said.