Phuket Expressway Project to Ease Traffic and Boost Tourism

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has announced an 84-billion-baht infrastructure project designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion in Phuket. The 34.6-kilometer expressway will connect the Kathu, Thalang, and Mueang Phuket districts. According to Prachachat Business, the project is divided into two phases, with a target completion date set for 2031.

The first phase, connecting Kathu and Patong, involves a significant land expropriation process, with 30 billion baht allocated for acquiring properties, including luxury homes in the area. Construction for this segment is scheduled to commence in 2027 and will feature a 1.85-kilometer twin tunnel through the mountain, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in Asia.

For travelers and residents, this development is intended to significantly improve connectivity between major tourist hubs and residential areas, potentially reducing travel times across the island. While the project promises to modernize Phuket’s transport infrastructure, the immediate impact will involve extensive construction activity and land acquisition. Details regarding the specific timeline for the second phase and the final environmental impact mitigation strategies remain to be confirmed as the project progresses toward its 2027 groundbreaking.