Officials study options to widen main road into Phuket
Phuket officials are studying whether to widen a 2.27-kilometre section of Route 402 near the island’s northern gateway, with design options and environmental assessments now under way.
Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn this week chaired a meeting to review progress on a survey and design study for widening a key road section leading into Phuket, as officials look to improve traffic flow to and from the island.
The meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall was attended by Phuket Highway District Director Winai Kuemueang, representatives from the Department of Highways and project consultants.
Officials said the project covers a 2.27-kilometre section of Route 402 running south from Thepkrasattri Bridge through the Tha Chatchai mangrove area to the Phuket Check Point. The project does not include Highway 4302 along Mai Khao Beach.
The route passes several key sites, including Tha Chatchai Police Station, Baan Tha Chatchai Mosque and Wat Tha Chatchai.
According to officials, the Department of Highways is studying options to expand the road to four lanes or more in response to growing traffic volumes, with the aim of reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency and safety.
The study began on March 24 and is scheduled to run for 450 days, with completion expected on June 16, 2027. Work includes engineering surveys, road and bridge design, drainage systems, intersection improvements and preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment report.
Consultants told the meeting that the project faces major constraints because the route passes through mangrove forest and coastal areas that require detailed environmental assessment. The study area also includes environmentally sensitive zones and nearby communities in Tha Chatchai and Baan Tha Noon, as well as temples, schools, mosques and childcare centres.
Several preliminary designs are being considered, including a four-lane road with a raised median, a depressed median and an elevated structure. Officials said the preferred option will be chosen based on engineering feasibility, road safety, environmental impacts and benefits to local residents.
The Department of Highways and project consultants have scheduled five rounds of public consultation during the study period to collect feedback from residents, businesses, government agencies and community representatives before a final design is selected.
Officials said the project is part of Phuket’s long-term transport infrastructure plans to support economic growth, tourism and access to and from the island. After the study and EIA are completed and approved, the Department of Highways will seek funding for construction.
The proposal has already prompted debate online, with some residents arguing that congestion at Phuket’s northern gateway is caused mainly by operations at the Phuket Check Point rather than by road capacity. Officials had not publicly responded to that suggestion as the study continued.
