Expressway project faces new hurdle

Stakeholders clash over key section by university, writes Supoj Wancharoen

- Supoj Wancharoen

A long-delayed expressway project meant to ease Bangkok’s chronic congestion has again ignited public controversy, as authorities, engineers and residents clash over whether a key section near Kasetsart University should rise above ground or disappear beneath it.

The scheme, overseen by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), is designed to create a continuous east-west traffic corridor linking the Chalong Rat Expressway with the Outer Ring Road to Khae Rai.

Exat says the link is essential to relieve pressure on Bangkok's overburdened road network and improve connections to intercity motorways. Yet despite being discussed for more than two decades, the project has never moved beyond the planning stage. At the heart of the impasse is the alignment beside Kasetsart University.

Early plans drawn up in the mid-1990s envisaged a fully elevated four-lane expressway. Strong objections from the university and surrounding communities, however, led Exat to explore alternatives, including an underground tunnel — an option later deemed prohibitively expensive.

TUNNEL TOLL CONCERNS

Earlier this year, Exat attempted to defuse opposition by proposing to route part of the expressway through the existing Phahon Yothin underpass adjacent to the university.

The move, rather than calming tensions, fuelled fresh criticism, particularly over fears that motorists would be forced to pay tolls to use a tunnel that has always been free.

Exat insists such fears are misplaced. One senior source with Exat said tolls would apply only to drivers who pass through the Kasetsart underpass and continue onto Phase 2 of the expressway towards Khae Rai. Motorists using only the existing underpass would not be charged, the source said.

The project is divided into two phases.