Old town underpasses to open next year

The construction of pedestrian tunnels under Na Phralan Road is 40% complete and the new crossing points will be ready to open in March next year, said a Bangkok Council member yesterday.

Paitoon Khamparat, the president of a Rattanakosin Island Management study committee, inspected two of the tunnels yesterday — one located at the intersection of Na Phralan and Na Phrathat roads with entrances close to the Emerald Buddha Temple and Sanam Luang.

The tunnel will be 96 metres long and lies 6.6 metres underground. It will have waiting areas, 22 male toilets and 56 female toilets and escalators at each of the four entrances.

The other tunnel is located at the front of the Na Phralan branch post office. Its entrances are close to the gates of the royal palace. The tunnel will span 37 metres with escalators in three entrance areas.

In addition, another tunnel under Maharat Road is at a similar stage in construction and will linked with Tha Chang pier where visitors can board express boats along the Chao Phraya River. This tunnel is 4.7 metres below street level and 90 metres in length.

A spokesman for the Public Works Department previously said it is hoped the tunnels will enhance convenience and safety for Thai and foreign visitors when they travel to one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Bangkok.