Confirmed Ahead of Schedule: Tunnel Boring Through Nakhon Ratchasima City to Solve Traffic Congestion

On January 30, 2024, Manas Suwanarin, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, along with representatives from relevant agencies, visited the construction site to monitor the progress of the underground tunnel project beneath Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) intersecting with Chang Phueak Road in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The project is designed to support traffic entering and exiting Nakhon Ratchasima city, with 6 traffic lanes spanning 1,750 kilometers and a budget of 849 million baht. Undertaken by Ungtong Kee Company, this critical infrastructure project aims to alleviate traffic congestion at densely trafficked intersections. Currently, the project is in the architectural phase and installing sound-reflecting panels in the underground tunnel. The overall progress stands at 85.60%, which is 6.547% ahead of the planned schedule. The deputy governor emphasized that the construction is progressing as planned and has instructed careful traffic management to minimize disruptions. The project is expected to be completed between April and July 2024. Upon official opening, it will improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, decrease road accidents, and support the future expansion of Nakhon Ratchasima city. The province has requested that citizens follow warning signs and staff instructions during construction for safety. A planned running event through the tunnel, originally scheduled for February 28, has been postponed due to ongoing construction work.