Bangkok's new express way to be on service soon

BANGKOK, July 22 (TNA) - A new express way in Bangkok, linking western outskirts of the capital with the heart of the city, will be officially opened for public service soon. Thai Transport Minister Arkom Termpittayapaisith inspected the readiness of the Sri Rat-Outer Ring Road Expressway on Friday, ahead of a free test run offered to motorists during August 15-17 prior to its official opening after August 20, 2016. Arkom told journalists that the construction of the new express way, aimed to ease traffic congestion along Karnchanapisek Road on the western outskirts of Bangkok through the heart of the capital, was set to be completed by the end of this month, earlier than its previous schedule. Arkom said the 16.7-kilometre Sri Rat-Outer Ring Road Expressway is an extension of a state project on expanding a special route into the west of Bangkok, with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited jointly winning a 30-year concessionary contract based on their joint operational budget of 32.82 billion baht. The minister noted that he has ordered the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to simulate the expressway in full operation during the upcoming test run to see impacts it could have on the overall traffic on the route. The minister also suggested that Easypass toll booths be increased to provide more conveniences and encourage more motorists to use the Easypass system, instead of cash, to reduce traffic congestion in front of toll booths. Besides, the Easypass system and the Mpass service on special highways are expected to be connected with each other in October 2016 in order to boost the number of users thereafter. (TNA)