The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has reported that a key 23.10 km road connecting an aircraft maintenance centre to a major border wholesale trade hub near the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge is now 90 per cent complete. The project, costing 949 million baht, is expected to be fully operational by early 2026.
The new route links the aircraft repair centre with the border trade hub and Highway 212 in Tha Uthen district, improving connectivity within Nakhon Phanom province and with Laos. Highway 212 stretches from Nong Khai along the Mekong River through Nakhon Phanom to Mukdahan and further south to Ubon Ratchathani.
The project is divided into two sections: Section 1 is a 16.53 km four-lane reinforced concrete road, while Section 2 covers 6.57 km as a two-lane reinforced concrete road. Ongoing works include installation of traffic signs and street lighting. Safety and environmental measures, such as warning signs, flashing lights, and dust control, are being implemented to protect road users and maintain air quality.
The road is expected to support the province’s Special Economic Zone and cross-border trade, particularly facilitating transport between Nakhon Phanom Airport and the Third Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
