The government has agreed to pay at least 1.59 billion baht in compensation to contractors of the Rama II Road expansion project for restricting their working hours, which inflated their overall costs, says Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.
The project was originally scheduled to be completed in June. However, the deadline looks certain to be extended as the Highways Department ordered contractors to work only at night when traffic is light for the safety of motorists.
Accidents arising as a result of the work prompted the curbed working hours.
The contractors complained the shorter hours inflated their costs leaving them in a liquidity crunch.
Since Feb 3, all construction work starts at 9pm and continues until 5am, instead of going around the clock.
The compensation works out to at least 1.59 billion baht, according to the minister.
Also, from next Thursday until April 17, the contractors have been ordered to suspend work and move their equipment away from traffic lanes to make way for people travelling via Rama II Road during the Songkran festival, Mr Suriya said.
The highway police announced a 38-kilometre section of Rama II off-limits to lorries on April 11, 13, 15 and 16. The ban will be in effect between the 15th and 53rd kilometre markers.
Heavy vehicle drivers have also been asked to cooperate in avoiding the road during Songkran. If they need to use it, they should drive in the left-most lane reserved for slow-moving vehicles.