The busy Pratunam flyover on Phetchaburi Road will close from Friday at 10pm until next February to allow for the construction of an underground section of the Orange Line MRT.
The measure is required to dismantle bridge structures to facilitate construction of the Bang Khun Non–Thailand Cultural Centre underground section of the Orange Line.
Traffic management plans will focus on three areas: adjusting traffic lights to match vehicle flow, installing advance warning and detour signs, and having police during rush hours.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes such as the Si Rat Expressway, Sri Ayutthaya Road or Rama I Road.
Public transport options -- including the Saen Saeb canal boats (Pratunam Pier), Airport Rail Link (Ratchaprarop Station), BTS Skytrain (Chidlom and Ratchathewi stations) and buses -- are recommended to ease congestion.
Construction will involve dismantling flyover decks, pillars and foundations to make way for the tunnel alignment. The flyover will later be rebuilt. The process is expected to take 10 months.
Authorities urged commuters to plan ahead.
