Phuket Highway Project Links Kata-Patong in 5 Minutes

The government is moving forward with a specialized highway project linking Kata and Patong in Phuket to solve traffic problems. The tunnel design has been scaled down from 17 meters to 14 meters, reducing travel time between the two areas to just 5 minutes. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy Thalee Luksameesangjun revealed progress on the Phuket highway project, which serves as critical infrastructure to ease congestion, improve travel efficiency, and accommodate Phuket's continued growth.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has already submitted the revised project to the Transport Ministry, featuring a smaller tunnel design currently under review by related agencies. "We expect to present the project to the cabinet for approval around December 2024. If approved, the project will proceed to the bidding phase, with a contractor expected by April 2025. Land rights transfer is targeted for completion by January 2025, with construction beginning in October 2025. The total construction period is 4 years, with completion expected by September 2026 and service opening scheduled for October 2026," the spokesperson stated.

Once complete, the project will offer an alternative route between Kata and Patong, reducing reliance on existing roads that face capacity limitations. The highway includes grade-separated interchanges at both Patong and Kata to connect with surrounding road networks. The project will enhance transportation options, boost safety and efficiency of Phuket's transport system, and provide faster access to tourist attractions and economic zones. Currently, the journey between Kata and Patong takes 30 minutes; the new tunnel will reduce this to just 5 minutes. Upon opening, Phase 1 is expected to handle 50,000-60,000 vehicles daily, including motorcycles.