Thailand
Thailand: Govt approves land grab for new bridge
The cabinet has given approval for land expropriation in five districts in northern Bangkok to make way for the construction of a new six-lane bridge crossing the Chao Phraya River.
The cabinet agreed to expropriate land in Bang O area of Bang Phlat district, along Nakhon Chai Si Road in Dusit district and the Bang Sue area.
Land in Phaya Thai district’s Samsen Nai area and Chatuchak’s Chomphon and Chatuchak sub-districts will also be acquired for the bridge construction project.
According to deputy government spokeswoman Ratchada Dhnadirek, the new bridge will have six lanes, for a span of 320 metres over the Chao Phraya River near the new parliament building at the Kiakkai intersection in Dusit district.
Ms Ratchada said the bridge will help ease chronic traffic congestion in the northern part of Bangkok.
She also said planners aim to make sure the project does not disrupt activities and events taking place at the parliament building and its surrounding area.
“The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration [BMA] held four public hearings to collect opinions.
“We also carried out environmental impact assessments at nearby archaeological sites and the Bangkok National Museum,” she said.
“For the next stage, officers will now go out and survey land that will be expropriated to help ensure acquisitions are made accurately and fairly,” Ms Ratchada said.
When the bridge is completed, it will be able to handle about 100,000 cars each day, which will ease traffic congestion in the northern part of the capital, she added.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2189807/govt-approves-land-grab-for-new-bridge