Urgent Check! Pratunam Intersection Overpass to Close for 10 Months for Orange Line Metro Construction 5 Detour Routes Recommended

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) informs road users that the Pratunam intersection overpass will be closed around the clock for 10 months starting 24 Apr 2026 GMT+7 to proceed with the underground Orange Line metro construction (Bang Khun Non - Cultural Centre section). They also recommend five detour routes to mitigate traffic congestion.

MRTA advances Orange Line metro construction by closing Pratunam intersection overpass for 10 months.

Mr. Kittikorn Tanpao, Deputy Governor (Engineering and Construction) of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), revealed progress on the Orange Line metro project between Bang Khun Non and the Thailand Cultural Centre, announcing plans to build underground structures near the ramp of the Pratunam intersection overpass on Phetchaburi Road.

This process requires dismantling the overpass ramp, the deck slab, one span of bridge columns, and piles to clear the way for the underground metro tunnel alignment. Reinforcement of the bridge will be carried out before restoring it to its original condition. The entire process is expected to take about 10 months.

When does the closure start and how many lanes will remain open at Pratunam intersection?

MRTA has coordinated with related agencies, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to plan traffic mitigation due to the heavy vehicle volume on Phetchaburi Road. The conclusions are as follows:

• Closure schedule for the overpass. Starting from 22:00 on 24 Apr 2026 GMT+7 (24 hours a day).
• End of overpass closure. On 11 Feb 2027 GMT+7.
• Initial traffic management measures. Closure and diversion to prepare before construction begins; travelers can still pass through Pratunam intersection. Only on the surface level. (According to traffic signal cycles).
• Number of lanes available. 2 inbound lanes and 3 outbound lanes.

Check the 5 detour routes during the Pratunam overpass closure.

For convenience and to avoid traffic buildup, MRTA recommends five alternative routes for road users as follows:

1. Si Rat Expressway via Yommarat Toll Plaza.

For those coming from Nakhon Sawan Road heading east of Bangkok: turn right at Nang Loeng intersection (onto Phitsanulok Road) > turn left at Yommarat intersection > enter Si Rat Expressway at Yommarat toll plaza > exit at Rama 9 Road > turn right onto Phetchuthai Road > turn left onto Phetchaburi Road.

2. Sri Ayutthaya Road route.

For those coming from Nakhon Sawan Road heading east of Bangkok: turn right at Nang Loeng intersection (onto Phitsanulok Road) > turn left at Uruphong intersection (onto Rama 6 Road) > turn right at Sri Ayutthaya intersection > continue along Chaturathit and Rama 9 Roads > turn right at Rama 9 - Pradit Manutham intersection.

3. Ratchadamnoen Nok Road route.

For those coming from Ratchadamnoen Nok Road heading east of Bangkok: turn right in front of the equestrian statue plaza (onto Sri Ayutthaya Road) > turn left at Wat Benchamabophit intersection (onto Rama 5 Road) > turn right at Ratchawithi intersection > pass Victory Monument heading to Din Daeng and Rama 9 Roads > turn right at Rama 9 - Pradit Manutham intersection.

4. Boripat Road route.

For those coming from Boripat Road heading east of Bangkok: turn left onto Charoen Krung Road > turn left at Mo Mi intersection (onto Mittraphan Road) > pass 22 July roundabout (onto Maitri Chit Road) > head towards Rama 4 Road > turn left at Kluay Nam Thai intersection (onto Sukhumvit 42 Road) > continue to Ekkamai Road.

5. Bamrung Mueang Road - Rama I Road route.

For those coming from Bamrung Mueang Road heading east of Bangkok: continue on Bamrung Mueang Road onto Rama I Road > continue on Ploenchit Road > turn left at Ploenchit intersection (onto Witthayu Road) > continue onto Phetchaburi Road.

Additionally, MRTA has received cooperation from the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau and local police stations to manage traffic around the construction area. Measures include adjusting traffic signal timings based on traffic flow direction using queue length and congestion assessments to manage traffic more effectively. MRTA will closely monitor the situation and expedite work near Ratchathewi station to minimize traffic impact.Ratchathewi station.This is a contiguous area to help reduce traffic disruptions as much as possible, while supervising andemphasizing to consultantsand contractors to conduct construction with the highest safety standards in strict compliance with the Ministry of Transport's safety policies. MRTA advises road users to prepare and allow extra travel time, and to avoid the construction area if possible. MRTA apologizes for the inconvenience and offers a contact number for traffic diversion inquiries: 06 3217 6532.

As of the end of March 2026, the Orange Line metro project between Bang Khun Non and the Thailand Cultural Centre is 26.72% complete, with civil works at 29.19% and rail system installation at 7.86%. The Orange Line section from the Cultural Centre to Min Buri (Suwinthawong) is currently 48.73% complete with rail system installation ongoing. More project information is available at www.mrta-orangelinewest.com and the project's Facebook page.

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