Pedestrian areas to get makeover

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) launched a pavement renovation plan yesterday aiming to upgrade footpaths along 16 routes in highly populated city areas.

BMA spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala yesterday led journalists to survey pavements along Ratchadamri and Phloenchit roads that are being renovated to meet a new durability and safety standard and highlight a universal design for accessibility.

Mr Aekvarunyoo said the BMA has aimed to improve pavements along various roads in Bangkok, a combined distance of 1,000 kilometres.

The first phase of the plan also includes Sukhumvit, Rama IV, Silom, Charoen Krung, Yaowarat, Ratchaprarop, Phetchburi, Ekamai, Sutthisan, Choke Chai 4 and Sena Nikhom.

According to Mr Aekvarunyoo, sidewalks in the populated downtown areas feature new floor tiles on reinforced concrete.

Some footpaths will even showcase artistic decoration.

In suburban areas, such as Phuttha Bucha Road in Thung Kru district and Khum Klao Road in Lat Krabang district, sidewalks will be paved with asphalt.

The development will be expanded to Thang Rotfai Sai Kao Paknam, Phutthamonthon Sai 1 and Chaloem Phra Kiat roads.

According to Mr Aekvarunyoo, the BMA plans to carry out the pavement renovation plan along another 38 roads this year and then 22 more next year.

Other than the highly populated areas, improvement plans will also extend to the 500-km BKK Running Trail and the surrounding areas of all skytrain stations.

The BMA is also restoring pavements damaged by the public utility work as it acts on complaints submitted via its Traffy Fondue app, he said, adding that the office has initiated the Bangkok Emergency Service Team, or Best, to urgently restore deteriorated footpaths in the capital.

Footpaths i n sois will also be upgraded to facilitate pedestrians.