The Deputy Minister of Transport visited Bang Klam district in Songkhla to monitor the progress of highway construction, urging the Department of Highways and contractors to accelerate work and enhance safety measures, insisting on restoring full road access by September 2026.
On 10 Aug 2026 at 11:00 a.m., Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Bang Klam district, Songkhla, accompanied by Chairat Suksomkid, Bang Klam District Chief; Pol. Col. Surachet Suwannopamas, Chief of Bang Klam Police Station; Kittipol Duangjoy, Director of Songkhla Highway District 1; Pol. Gen. Phithak Phutthawiro, former Bhumjaithai Party MP candidate for District 9; Theerawut Ruangsri and Natthaphon Hempat, Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization council members for Bang Klam. They reviewed progress on the highway construction at a site with repeated accidents during the project, discussing measures to accelerate construction and improve safety for road users.
Sanphet stated that the project is scheduled for completion by September this year. After assessing the situation on site, he believes work can be expedited to restore road access to the public as planned. Currently, parts of the lower road are already open to traffic, but engineering and safety-related tasks must be finished before full operation begins.
“The Department of Highways must reserve space in advance to ensure maximum safety before the entire route can be fully opened,” Sanphet said.
The Deputy Minister explained that delays stemmed from several factors, including last year’s flooding and the relocation of High Mast lighting poles. However, under directives from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport, the Department of Highways has been urged to speed up the work, especially to return full road access to the public as soon as possible.
“I have instructed the Department of Highways to strictly require all parties involved to complete the road restoration by September,” Sanphet said.
Sanphet added that contractors are working continuously into the evening to open the route sooner, as this road is vital for heavy trucks and freight transport. He emphasized that the Department of Highways should incorporate suggestions from local authorities and police, particularly regarding the clear installation of advance warning signs and signals to encourage drivers to slow down before the construction zone.
“There must be clear warning signs indicating ongoing construction ahead, so people can reduce their speed,”Sanphetsaid.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister proposed raising the height of barriers or guardrails on the bridge to prevent future accidents. He noted that once fully opened, about 90% of traffic is expected to use the main lower route, while the upper detour will handle around 10%.
The High Mast lighting system is now fully installed and operational. Other facilitation measures such as CCTV cameras and traffic signals will be coordinated with local agencies to ensure the route is as safe and efficient as possible.
Sanphet spoke about the project budget, saying the Department of Highways has managed to operate within approximately 60 million baht, down from an initial estimate exceeding 100 million baht. Some additional budget requests may be submitted later after the full opening.
“Our key goal today is to expedite the restoration of road access for the public while simultaneously maintaining safety,” Sanphet said.
Pol. Col. Surachet Suwannopamas, Chief of Bang Klam Police Station, revealed that the location is on Route 4124, Highway No. 4, heading toward Phatthalung, with the return route toward Hat Yai. Since construction began on 19 March 2025, nine accidents related to the construction area have been reported.
About 70-80% of these accidents were caused by driver behavior, including speeding, reckless driving, and unsafe overtaking, leading to loss of control and falling into construction zones. Another case is under investigation involving an elderly man and his wife traveling to Phatthalung, where rough road surfaces and a possible collision with an 18-wheel truck are being examined.
Police, local authorities, and related agencies have coordinated with contractors to enhance safety measures such as cones, barriers, concrete blocks, warning signs, and lighting. They believe that earnest implementation of these steps will reduce risk and accident numbers in the area.
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