Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has called for a comprehensive inspection of road bridges across the city after being alerted to damage to the bridge over the busy Ratchada-Lat Phrao intersection.
The governor thanked former Democrat Party MP Watchara Petchthong for reporting the damage to his office.
Parts of the bridge were damaged or missing as a result of high-speed collisions involving trucks and other vehicles, Mr Chadchart said during an inspection with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon yesterday.
"We have to carry out a system-wide inspection because there is a possibility of debris falling and accidents," the governor said. "We need to check every bridge, especially U-turn bridges that pose a risk of collision, and people should be wary as this is not uncommon."
The safety of road infrastructure attracted attention last month, when two people died after a concrete beam from a U-turn bridge fell onto three passing vehicles on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon, just west of the capital.
In that case, the structure was believed to have been weakened because insufficient reinforcement rods were used to complete an earlier repair.
Mr Chadchart also commented on the number of motorcycle accidents on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes, which have resulted in both injuries and fatalities. He said that contracts for the line are being reconsidered ahead of their possible renewal in 2024 so that safety can be enhanced.
Mr Wisanu urged the public to report any causes for concern to the Traffy Fondue Smart City platform.
The channel that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to manage complaints sent to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.