Bangkok: The Department of Highways is accelerating efforts to restore the road surface on Rama 2 Road, particularly near the Tha Chin River bridge.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Highways has provided an update on the M82 Motorway Section 7 project, highlighting that the concrete pouring for the M82 bridge crossing the Tha Chin River has been completed as scheduled. The removal of scaffolding has commenced, aimed at restoring the road surface on Rama 2 Road. Additionally, the demolition of beams damaged by the LG crane collapse is progressing as per engineering guidelines, with expectations to finish ahead of schedule. The department is also crafting a new traffic plan set for mid-March 2026 to ease congestion and enhance traffic flow.
Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways, shared details on the construction progress of the intercity expressway no. 82 (M82), Bang Khun Thian – Ban Phaeo section 7. He noted that the bridge’s concrete work across the Tha Chin River is complete, and scaffolding removal is underway. The efforts to restore Rama 2 Road and address the structural damage from the LG crane incident are being executed with strict safety adherence. Two significant advancements have been reported:
1. M82 Bridge Structure Work Across the Tha Chin River: The concrete connection for the bridge structures is finished, and large temporary scaffolding is being removed. Completion is expected by mid-March 2026, which will improve traffic flow and alleviate bottlenecks at this location.
2. Demolition of Damaged Beam Structures from LG Crane Collapse: The LG crane has been repositioned for the demolition of the first damaged beam structure. Equipment for suspending the box-section beams is in place, alongside a real-time structural health monitoring system. The removal of these beams will begin on the night of February 19-20, 2026, with completion anticipated by mid-March 2026, two weeks ahead of the initial schedule.
Advanced engineering techniques are being utilized for the demolition of the prestressed concrete beams, with rigorous planning and safety measures in place under the guidance of specialized experts. The Engineering Institute of Thailand under the Royal Patronage (EIT) has reviewed the methods and calculations, with independent inspectors overseeing the process. Specialized engineers with experience in similar projects provide continuous supervision.
In terms of traffic management on Rama 2 Road between kilometer 29 and kilometer 32, including the bridge over the Tha Chin River, one main lane in each direction is open from 05:30 to 20:00, while parallel roads operate with two lanes in each direction around the clock. A new traffic plan to improve flow is set to launch in mid-March 2026, adjusting main inbound lanes near the crane collapse site for smoother travel.
For inbound traffic to Bangkok, the bridge exit ramp will increase from one lane to two lanes. For outbound traffic, a reversible lane will be added before the bridge, creating two lanes with vehicles directed against the flow in the main lane.
The Highway Traffic Management and Accident Center (HTOC) is analyzing data to plan lane management on the main inbound side towards Bangkok. This may involve varying lane numbers based on traffic volume, such as three inbound lanes and one outbound lane, to enhance overall traffic efficiency.
The Department of Highways assures that each operational step is carefully evaluated to uphold professional standards, prioritizing public safety. Efforts continue to expedite road surface restoration for improved travel convenience.