Four Proposed Bridge Routes Gain Attention
PUBLISHED: September 2, 2024
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) has initiated public hearings to evaluate four proposed routes for a bridge connecting the mainland to Trat’s famous Koh Chang island.
Exat’s deputy governor announced that the four options involve three potential starting locations on the mainland in Trat and four endpoints on the island, specifically three in Ban Dan Mai and one in Ban Khlong Son.
The first two options would originate from the 0.85-kilometer marker on Highway 3156 in Ban Nong Prue village, Laem Ngop district. The first route would span 9.82 kilometers, landing on the island at the 8.55-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Dan Mai.
The second would extend 9.95 kilometers, reaching the island at the 6.75-kilometer marker on the same road in Ban Dan Mai.
The third option is a 5.90-kilometer route beginning at the 2.84-kilometer marker on Road 4006 in Ban Thammachat Lang, connecting to the island at the 5.30-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Dan Mai.
The fourth proposed route, measuring 5.59 kilometers, would start from the 3.50-kilometer marker on Road 4006 in Ban Thammachat Lang and reach the island at the 1.90-kilometer marker on Road 10026 in Ban Khlong Son.
All proposed bridges are designed to be elevated, providing sufficient clearance for maritime traffic while landing in sparsely populated areas on the island. These routes are developed to ensure minimal impact on nearby coral and seagrass ecosystems.
Construction of the bridge is projected to commence in 2029, with an expected completion date in 2033.
