Sanphet Inspects Bang Klam Roadworks, Urges Traffic Lane Return by February
The Deputy Minister of Transport inspects Highway No. 4 construction site in Songkhla province following multiple accidents, noting budget reduction to 60 million baht.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Sanphet inspects road construction on Highway No. 4 in Bang Klam district, Songkhla.
- Urges the Department of Highways to return traffic lanes by February for safety.
- Reports 9 accidents since project start, ordering enhanced warning signs and lighting.
Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet traveled to inspect the progress of the road construction project in Bang Klam district, Songkhla province, which serves as a vital route on Highway No. 4 heading towards Phatthalung and outbound toward Hatyai. Following public complaints regarding recurring accidents during construction, the project was originally scheduled for completion in February 2027. However, after an on-site assessment, the ministry executives believe contractors can accelerate operations and reopen traffic surfaces to the public by this coming February.
The project's delay stemmed from various factors, including severe flooding late last year and the relocation of High Mast lighting poles. Nevertheless, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport has instructed the Department of Highways to press contractors to work continuously into the evening, given that the route experiences heavy traffic from trucks and freight carriers. The High Mast lighting system has already been fully installed and is ready for operation.
“The Department of Highways must reserve the area first to ensure utmost confidence and safety before allowing 100% full utilization.”
Sanphet
Regarding safety measures, Sanphet emphasized that the Department of Highways should adopt proposals from local administrative and police authorities to install clear warning signs and signals well in advance of the construction zone, helping motorists reduce their speed. He also proposed increasing the height of bridge barriers or guardrails to prevent future accidents. Once fully operational, approximately 90% of traffic is expected to use the main lower route, while the upper bypass will accommodate about 10%.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Managing provincial infrastructure projects often presents significant challenges regarding traffic disruption and logistical flow. Ministerial intervention to pressure contractors while coordinating closely with local administration, police, and highway officials serves as a crucial mechanism to address public hardship swiftly on heavily trafficked freight corridors. Enhancing warning signage and illumination acts as an immediate risk-mitigation measure while permanent construction moves toward completion.
Pol. Col. Surachet Suwannanpormat, Superintendent of Bang Klam Police Station, revealed that since construction began on March 19, 2025, a total of 9 accidents have been reported. Around 70 to 80 percent of these incidents stemmed from driver behavior, such as speeding, reckless driving, and failed overtaking attempts resulting in vehicles veering into the construction zone. Another separate case involving an elderly driver navigating rough road surfaces with a potential 18-wheel trailer collision remains under police investigation. Local police and administrators have already coordinated with contractors to deploy additional traffic cones, concrete barriers, and illumination.
Source: Matichon Politics
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