Phuket underpass closures extended through July 31 as contractor faces B9.8m in penalties
Nightly closures at Phuket’s Bang Khu, Samkong, Darasamut and Chalong underpasses will continue through July 31 as a delayed Smart City traffic project proceeds. The contractor has already incurred B8. 3 million in penalties, which could rise to B9. 8 million.
Nightly closures at four Phuket underpasses have been extended through July 31 as work continues on a delayed Smart City traffic-control project, with the contractor facing up to B9.8 million in late-completion penalties.
The Bang Khu, Samkong, Darasamut and Chalong underpasses will remain closed from 8:30pm to 6am to allow the installation of the Smart City Remote Control and Monitoring Centre. The work includes replacing deteriorated lighting systems, installing new electrical systems with remote outage notification, adding automatic licence plate recognition cameras and installing internet-connected variable message traffic signs.
Phuket Highways Office Chief Winai Kuemueang confirmed to The Phuket News that contractor Better World Traffic Co Ltd would receive no relief from the penalties. The company’s request for a waiver or reduction was rejected, he said.
Under the contract, the contractor is liable for a B100,000 daily penalty after missing the April 24 completion deadline. It has already accumulated B8.3 million in penalties. If the work is completed by the latest target date of July 31, the project will be 98 days late and the total penalties will reach B9.8 million.
The latest announcement is the seventh extension of the overnight closures, adding to frustration among motorists using some of Phuket’s busiest roads. The B48.412-million project was funded through the Southern Andaman Provinces Group’s 2025 budget and was originally scheduled to take 210 days.
The project has faced months of delays. Earlier this year, provincial officials ordered an investigation after concerns that little work had been carried out for an extended period after the contract was signed.
The Phuket Highways Office apologised for the continuing disruption and advised motorists to avoid the affected underpasses during the closure period, using alternative routes where possible. The works are supervised by Phuket Highways Office Senior Civil Engineer Sanakorn Thabthimthongsuk.
The public can report damaged roads, faulty street lighting, malfunctioning traffic signals and damaged road signs to the Phuket Highways Office at 076-212179 during office hours or through the Department of Highways’ 24-hour hotline, 1586.
