Thailand to build 7-kilometer bridge to improve connectivity of the south

The Thai authorities are considering building a bridge to improve transportation in the south. The new bridge should connect the Krasai Sin district in Songkhla with the Khao Chaisson district in Phattalung.

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

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

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

It is noted that the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has entered into an agreement 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 Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

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 kilometers to 7 kilometers.

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