Bangkok: The governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) revealed that the removal of the collapsed bridge beams is progressing faster than planned. The entrance to the Dao Khanong toll plaza is set to open this Thursday (Mar 20).
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surachet Laopoolsuk, Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), Ministry of Transport, took the media to inspect the progress of the debris removal work on March 18, 2025, at the entrance of Dao Khanong Tollway, Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway. He revealed that the removal work is currently 100% complete. Workers have been removing debris for 22 hours per day, which is ahead of schedule. The road surface will be paved, and traffic lines painted to restore it to its original condition. Furthermore, the completed Main truss, which supports the concrete, will also be removed. The Council of Engineers has been invited to inspect the area, and EXAT has established a fact-finding committee to investigate the cause of the incident, which will conclude within 20 days post-removal.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) received a progress report on the demolition work on March 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The report indicated that the main truss, tower support steel frame, H-beam, and other reinforcing steel structures have been fully dismantled, and concrete extraction is complete. A temporary detour was opened on March 17, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Dao Khanong Toll Plaza to ease traffic flow.
The entrance area of the Dao Khanong checkpoint is scheduled to reopen on the morning of Thursday, March 20, 2025, for inbound travel into the city. EXAT, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), has arranged for officers to manage traffic effectively to assist the public.
Mr. Surachet expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured in the incident, apologizing to the public for the occurrence. He emphasized the priority to assist the public by expediting the relocation and repair of the Dao Khanong checkpoint entrance so that it can be operational again swiftly. Regarding the broken bridge, he mentioned that repairs are expected to take about 30 days. Additionally, he assured that assistance will be provided to the deceased and injured, ensuring they receive fair compensation. He also confirmed that any negligence by officers would result in disciplinary action and compensation for the damages caused.
