Progress on bridge to connect Koh Lanta with mainland
An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is being conducted for a bridge to connect Koh Lanta with the mainland in Krabi province, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) said on Wednesday.
The bridge will run from Ban Hua Hin on the mainland to Lanta Noi to solve travel difficulties and boost development potential of the area, said Pathom Chaloeywares, the department’s director-general.
To get to Koh Lanta at present, travellers must take the ferry from Ban Hua Hin Pier to Ban Klong Mak Pier on Koh Lanta Noi, before crossing Sirilanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai.
However, the ferry has limited capacity and only operates from 6am to 10pm, leaving tourists at risk of missing their flight on the mainland at peak periods when the ferry is booked up. There is also concern over oil and diesel pollution from the ferry.
The DRR has held a public hearing to gather opinions on the bridge project from local businesses and government agencies.
Participants okayed plans for an extradosed bridge spanning 1,950 metres.
An extradosed bridge, usually built over relatively short spans, combines features of box-girder bridges and cable-stayed bridges.
Details of the project are expected to be finalised around March 2021 before a budget is requested in 2022. If approved, construction will get underway in 2023 and be completed in 2025.
