Samut sakhon: The Ban Phaeo Interchange on Highway 35 (Rama II Road) at km 38+400 has been officially opened by the Department of Highways in Samut Sakhon Province. The opening follows expedited construction aimed at reducing traffic congestion and enhancing travel flexibility for road users.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, stated that the interchange will address the bottleneck at the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 375 (Ban Phaeo - Phra Prathon route). This development facilitates faster and more efficient travel connections between Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, and Bangkok, while also improving the intercity motorway network and the overall road transport system.
The Ban Phaeo Interchange includes a prestressed concrete bridge (Ramp BP-1) with 2 lanes, 8.50 meters wide and 447.750 meters long, for those entering Ban Phaeo District. Another prestressed concrete bridge (Ramp BP-2), with 1 lane, 6.50 meters wide and 787,000 meters long, serves those exiting Samut Songkhram. Additional constructions include a pedestrian overpass, asphalt concrete surface, drainage systems, lighting systems, traffic line markings, sidewalks, and safety works.
For users traveling from Samut Sakhon Province towards Ban Phaeo District via Highway 35, the interchange provides a route to turn right onto Highway 375 for a convenient journey to Nakhon Pathom Province. Conversely, travelers from Nakhon Pathom Province using Highway 375 can turn right onto Highway 35, heading towards Samut Songkhram Province or continuing south.
Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi also highlighted progress on significant projects along Rama II Road, including the elevated highway construction project from Bang Khun Thian to Ekachai Interchange. This 10.564-kilometer project is a 6-lane elevated road with entrances and exits at Phanthai Norasing Toll Plaza and Mahachai 1 Toll Plaza. The project is divided into three contracts, all of which are complete.
Additionally, the Motorway No. 82 (M82) project from Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaeo has reached 83.43% completion in civil construction across its 16.4-kilometer stretch, divided into ten contracts. These projects, when completed, will significantly alleviate congestion on Rama II Road, which currently accommodates approximately 200,000 vehicles daily. They are also expected to boost economic, social, and tourism growth and enhance transport security for both travel and freight to the southern region.
The Department of Highways urges all road users to drive cautiously and adhere to warning signs and instructions from officials for safe travel. For further inquiries or information, the Department of Highways hotline at 1586 is available 24 hours a day.