The 2nd Bridge
Progress on the 2nd bridge to connect Koh Lanta with mainland Krabi.
The possibility of a bridge connecting the islands to the mainland, looms large in Lanta’s future. This is leaving many locals wondering if it’s a good thing for the island. A committee looked at various ways for travelers to cross the strait at Hua Hin; one solution was even a tunnel. Eventually, a suspension bridge spanning the almost 2km stretch of water was decided upon.
Plans to start construction were supposed to start in 2023, however the pandemic will have most likely pushed the schedule back. In the meantime, the debate continues, with locals discussing the good and bad that this bridge will bring. As a real estate company, we know that large infrastructure projects can only effect property prices in a positive way.
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been conducted for a bridge to connect Koh Lanta with the mainland in Krabi province, by the Department of Rural Roads (DRR)
The bridge will run from Ban Hua Hin on the mainland to Lanta Noi to solve travel difficulties and boost development potential of the area, said Pathom Chaloeywares, the department’s director-general.
To get to Koh Lanta at present, travellers must take the ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier to Ban Klong Mak Pier on Koh Lanta Noi, before crossing Sirilanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai.
However, the ferry has limited capacity and only operates from 6am to 10pm, leaving tourists at risk of missing their flight on the mainland at peak periods when the ferry is booked up. There is also concern over oil and diesel pollution from the ferry.
The DRR has held a public hearing to gather opinions on the bridge project from local businesses and government agencies. Participants okayed plans for an extradosed bridge spanning 1,950 metres. An extradosed bridge, usually built over relatively short spans, combines features of box-girder bridges and cable-stayed bridges.
Details of the project are expected to be finalised around March 2021 before a budget is requested in 2022. If approved, construction will get underway in 2023 and be completed in 2025.
Source: The Nation
