Thailand to build a 7-kilometre bridge to improve connectivity in the south

Thai authorities are considering building a bridge to improve transportation links in the south. The new bridge should connect the Krasae Sin district in Songkhla with the Khao Chaison district in Phatthalung.

According to forecasts, the estimated cost of the bridge will be 4.8 billion baht. The project will start next year, thethaiger writes.

The authorities say that the construction of the new bridge will increase the capacity of cargo transportation and significantly reduce travel time.

At the same time, environmentalists are concerned about the environmental impact of the construction. They are particularly worried about the threat of extinction of the Irrawaddy dolphins that live in Songkhla Lake.

It is noted that the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has agreed with four other government agencies: the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Department of Fisheries, and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.

The authorities urge construction participants to adopt a model of sustainable conservation of the lake's natural resources.

This requires minimizing threats to dolphins and their environment, restoring lake resources and rehabilitating marine life.

The bridge is expected to be completed in 2026. It will reduce travel time between the provinces from two hours to 15 minutes. In addition, the distance will be reduced from 80 kilometres to 7 kilometres.

The new bridge will improve logistics between cities on the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand via Trang, Phatthalung and Songkhla.