The Government of Thailand has approved plans to develop the 3.98 km Kathu-Patong expressway in Phuket. The toll road is expected to cost around THB 14.6 billion and will be financed under investments through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Of the total cost, THB5.79 billion has been allocated to settle land acquisition costs while the remaining will cover the cost of construction.
Between May and June 2022, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will invite bids from possible private partners, with the chosen bidder slated to begin construction in 2023 and open the route to traffic by July 2027.
The expressway will contain two lanes for automobiles and two lanes for motorbikes in each direction, as well as a 1.85 km tunnel. The toll way is expected to relieve traffic congestion on Highway 4029, minimise accidents, and increase tourism. The new toll way is one of the key projects under Phuket’s smart city development strategy.
