Construction on M82 Motorway Almost Completed: Suriya Reports 82% Progress
Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit recently oversaw the development of Elevated Motorway No.82 (M82), confirming that the project is now 82% complete and on track for conclusion this year.
The inspection focused on the construction of the Bang Khun Thian-Ekkachai elevated interchange section, spanning from kilometer marker 16 to 20, as well as the traffic management center at Km marker 27 in Samut Sakhon's Mueang district.
Part of an overdue construction project managed by the Department of Highways (DOH) along Rama II Road, this elevated motorway stretches over 25km, beginning at the Rama III - Dao Khanong - Western Outer Ring Expressway in Bangkok and ending at Samut Sakhon's Ban Phaeo district.
According to Mr. Suriya, construction is advancing satisfactorily, with civil work currently at 82% completion, closely adhering to the timetable. He expressed optimism that the project would conclude by the end of this year.
Safety is a top priority on the project, as Mr. Suriya directed all involved agencies to bolster safety measures. A Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system has been implemented for the steel launching gantries, which detects anomalies in real time and triggers immediate inspections to protect both road users and workers.
The Department of Highways and the Expressway Authority of Thailand have been instructed to enforce strict contractor adherence to safety standards. Mr. Suriya highlighted the importance of preventing incidents involving falling debris or other construction hazards.
Recently, there was an incident involving falling concrete on Rama II Road, but it was confirmed to originate from an old, degraded bridge rather than the ongoing M82 elevated motorway construction. Authorities have since initiated full inspections of old bridges along the highway to prevent future incidents.
The M82 project is a significant part of an ongoing effort to develop infrastructure in Thailand, with the completion of this project expected to have a positive impact on traffic flow and travel times for commuters in the region.
[1] https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2063320/82-of-motorway-82-project-completed-minister-says[2] https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2063058/m82-project-considered-50-complete-doh-says[3] https://www.thaipbs.or.th/source/main/668347[4] https://www.thaiexpressway.go.th/en/project-detail/wp080701004405-elevated-motorway-no-82-m82[5] https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2064042/old-ram-ii-bridge-cracks-are-fixed-authorities-say[6] https://www.thaipbs.or.th/source/main/668623
- The Transport Minister's assurance about M82's 82% completion reinforces the project's potential impact on the finance industry, as its successful conclusion could stimulate economic growth in the transportation sector.
- Given the emphasis on safety measures in the ongoing M82 project, there's a chance for partnerships between the industry and finance sectors to improve infrastructure monitoring systems, like the implemented Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system, for better oversight in transportation projects.
