PHUKET: The damaged hill road between Phuket town and Patong has been reopened for motorcycles, assisting commuters between Kathu and the popular beach area.
Provincial governor Narong Woonciew on Wednesday ordered the reopening of Road 4029 for motorcyclists, several days after it reopened for foot traffic.
Road 4029 connects Phuket's downtown and Patong via Kathu. Torrential rain caused a landslide that undermined the road's foundation on part of the hill section, resulting in its closure last week.
At least 10,000 local residents have used the road every day since it reopened for pedestrians on Sunday, officials said.
The decision to allow two-wheel vehicles to use the road was made on Wednesday after the Highways Department assessed the safety of the road surface and foundation.
The road will be repaired before being reopened to all vehicles. Officials said this could take at least another week.
Pedestrians use a temporary path on the Kathu-Patong road. (Photo: Achadtaya Chuenniran)