The reporter from the Department of Highways reports that the Department, through the Songkhla Road Construction Center and the 4th Bridge Construction and Renovation Center (Nakhon Si Thammarat), has completed construction and improvement of Highway 4030, Thalang to Rawai Beach section (from km 16+950 to km 18+200, a distance of 1.250 kilometers) in Kathu District, Phuket. The road has been upgraded from a 2-lane to a special standard 4-lane highway, now open for the public and tourists to travel with greater convenience, safety, and efficiency.
Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways (DOH). He revealed that the Department of Highways focuses on developing Phuket’s highway network to support ongoing urban growth and tourism, especially Highway 4030, a key strategic tourist route connecting Thepkrasattri Road (Highway 402) through Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Kalim Beach, Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach up to the Rawai intersection.
Previously, the route from km 16+950 to km 18+200 had physical limitations as a 2-lane highway with multiple continuous curves and increasing traffic volume. This caused inconvenience and frequent accidents for travelers. Therefore, the Department expedited improvements on this route, considered the "final 4-lane puzzle piece," to solve traffic issues and enhance driving visibility and safety.
The construction and improvement of Highway 4030, Thalang to Rawai Beach section, involved building a special standard 4-lane (two-way) highway, installing a median strip and an efficient drainage system. The old concrete bridge was demolished and replaced with a new concrete bridge at km 17+918, featuring a wider roadway surface and 30 meters in length to improve traffic flow.
Safety was also prioritized by installing safety equipment such as traffic signs and a complete lighting system according to Road Safety standards to reduce accident rates at previous risk points.
This development not only shortens travel time between Thalang District and Rawai Beach, alleviates traffic congestion on main roads, and enhances Phuket’s transportation image for tourists worldwide, but also serves as a key mechanism to boost the regional economy and tangibly improve the quality of life for local residents.
The Department of Highways is committed to developing all highways to be convenient and safe. They urge drivers to exercise caution, strictly obey traffic laws, and report any disruptions or suggestions for development via the Department's 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1586 (free from all networks).
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