Authorities are urging motorists to seek alternative routes after a newly constructed section of an elevated expressway collapsed on Saturday, severely damaging a key ramp that connects to Rama II Road, a major highway leading to southern Thailand. Officials estimate that full repairs will take approximately one month.
Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat), stated on Sunday that significant traffic congestion is expected in the area starting Monday, as the collapse blocked both inbound and outbound lanes of the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway ramp near the Dao Khanong toll plaza.
Debris removal is expected to take about seven days, after which the inbound side of the ramp may be reopened. However, the outbound side suffered greater damage, requiring new support beams to be cast and installed, a process expected to take 30 days, Laophulsuk said.
The collapsed section is part of the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Bangkok Outer Western Ring Road Expressway project, currently under construction above Rama II Road. The damage has affected the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, a crucial link between Bangkok and Thon Buri, as well as the main southern route, Rama II Road (Highway 35).
Authorities are considering temporary measures, such as creating two temporary inbound lanes on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, but motorists are advised to avoid the Rama IX Bridge. Police recommend alternative routes, including Suksawat Road, Phetkasem Road, and Borommaratchachonnani Road. Additionally, the Thosamarachan Bridge, Bhumibol 1 and 2 Bridges, and Sathon Road have been suggested for travel between Bangkok and Thon Buri.
The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with Exat officials expecting to complete a probe within 20 days of debris removal. Laophulsuk suggested that land subsidence could be a possible factor.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that the death toll from the incident has risen to six, following the death of an injured Myanmar national at Taksin Hospital. The victims include a Thai engineer, two Thai workers, and three foreign laborers.
