Governor Chadcart noted that the problem of the canal bridge collapse is not easy to solve

(July 17, 2022) After following up on the construction of the drainage tunnel from Nong Bon Swamp to Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Governor Mr Chadchart Sittipunt revealed that the structure of the related drainage channel has been in progress for 5 years and should be completed this year. However, due to the collapse of the Klong Klet bridge on February 26 this year, sand flowed into the building and the tunnel, causing the upper soil layer to collapse and the tunnel to be damaged. These include the collapse of the pile foundation of the Klong Kret Bridge, which caused the bridge deck road to settle by about 100 meters, and damage to nearby houses. The accident also caused traffic problems and received many complaints. Hence, the authorities needed to speed up the implementation of a solution to lay a new tunnel at a depth of 16 meters. Work will take approximately 18 months to complete and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

The solution to solve the traffic problem in the area; a shortcut to Bangna-Trad Road and a detour to Srinakarin Road must be explored, along with the installation of signage and publicity to alleviate the related traffic problems as soon as possible and to let road users know the timetable of the project.

“It has to be admitted that the job is not easy because this is something that has never happened. We must face the truth and tell the public how long a substance will take to fix the problem. Past incidents are a lesson, and the current situation needs to be fixed. Related Agencies need to speed up their adjustment to people-centric thinking,” Governor Chadchart said.

In the tunnel construction, the water from the Nong Bon Swamp needs to be discharged into the Chao Phraya River, passing through the Nong Bon Canal, and exiting the Chao Phraya River at the Thai Plywood Company area. The tunnel is 5 meters in diameter and 9.40 kilometres long, and the affected area is about 85 square kilometres, including Prawet, Bang Na, Phra Khanong and Suan Luang. The pumping and drainage points include Khlong Nong Bon, Khlong Kled, Klong Lod, Klong Lod, Sukhumvit 101/1, Sukhumvit 66/1 and the end of the Bang-or section of the tunnel, pumping 60 cubic meters of water per second, and the overall project budget is 5.9 billion baht.