Night traffic diversions begin for Patong Hill slope works

Temporary traffic diversions are affecting motorists travelling between Kathu and Patong as work begins to stabilise the hillside along Patong Hill Road in Phuket.

The Phuket Highways Office said shotcrete will be sprayed onto the uphill slope on Route 4029 between kilometre markers 0+690 and 0+900. The concrete layer is intended to stabilise soil and rock formations and reduce the risk of landslides and rockfalls, particularly during heavy rain.

Athikan Landen, the operational civil engineer overseeing the project, said work is planned in two daily periods, from 10am to 2pm and from 9pm to 2am. About 10 rounds of concrete spraying are expected, with the slope-stabilisation work scheduled for completion by 26 November 2026.

One lane will be closed while concrete trucks and construction equipment are operating, with traffic diverted from the lower part of the hill. The restriction will not remain in place outside working hours. The Highways Office initially announced night-time arrangements from 8.30pm to 3am from 5 November until completion, while schedules may be adjusted according to conditions.

Athikan said the shotcrete work is separate from another project on the lower section of Patong Hill Road. That project involves installing a box culvert to improve drainage and relocating existing water infrastructure, including a pressure-reducing valve chamber that obstructs the planned construction.

The waterworks authority has completed its survey and revised the design, while the contractor prepares to relocate the chamber. The lower section will remain closed throughout that project. Relocating the water infrastructure is expected to take about one month, followed by a further month of construction, with the overall project expected to finish around late December.

Motorists have been advised to slow down near the work areas, follow traffic signs and allow extra travel time between Kathu and Patong.