The Department of Highways is intending to construct a major overpass for traffic travelling through Tha Yang, where there is a problem intersection for road travellers in Phetchaburi Province. This includes motorists travelling from Bangkok to Cha-Am or on to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The intersection is a T-junction with traffic lights providing access to the Tha Yang town area, problematic due to traffic congestion and safety issues. An overpass would be of significant benefit to visitors to the Cha-Am/Hua Hin region.
Community consultations have taken place with some concerns forwarded by locals, including Tha Yang municipality officials. However Mr. Natee Kwanphae, Phetchaburi Highway District Director, says that detractors are now generally satisfied with the proposal.
Surveys will now continue, including consideration of the expropriation of land that will be required. There is an estimated project cost of around 100 million THB and a two year completion timeline.
Unfortunately for both Cha-Am locals, visitors and road users passing through Cha-Am, the central Cha-Am intersection on Phetchakasim Road remains a major bottleneck, especially on weekends or during holiday periods.
A project similar to the Tha Yang overpass could make a big difference to this long-standing issue.
