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Traffic Study
To calculate the projected volume of traffic in the future, a study of current road use in the project area was conducted, with attention given to the number of vehicles, the types and physical condition of existing roads, and travel frequency.
As a result of the study, it was determined that this year approximately 130,000 passenger vehicles cross the Chao Praya River between Bangkok and Thonburi every day. Most of the traffic crosses the Pin Klao Bridge , followed by the Rama VII Bridge and the Rama VIII Bridge , respectively.
An additional 68,000 commuters use public bus services each day, with most of the routes crossing the Pin Klao Bridge , followed by the Krungthon and Rama VII Bridges , respectively. It was also estimated that some 9,400 people board commuter trains daily, with the greatest number of commuters using Bang Sue, Nakorn Pathom and Salaya stations, respectively.
As these figures are expected to grow in the future, it is important to begin construction of the Western Corridor Project without delay. By 2011, it is anticipated that some 67,000 vehicles will use the new expressway daily, and that this number will jump to 104,500 by 2021. The number of passengers traveling by regular suburban commuter trains will increase to 64,783 each day, and those using special express trains will rise to 91,845 by 2021. Planners expect the most heavily traveled section of the route to be between Bang Bamru and Bang Sue stations.
Construction of the new combined rail-road link across the Chao Praya River will also spur tremendous growth along the entire route, especially in blind areas along both sides of the railroad tracks, where it will be a boon to community and urban development. What's more, traveling west from Bangkok to take advantage of activities and services on the Thonburi side of the river will be much easier than before.
Engineering Details
Thanks to the careful thought and attention given to the planning and design phase, the resulting structures for the various transport systems are certain to be top notch.
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Rail system
The project calls for two sets of tracks along the entire route, with the stretch between Taling Chan and Bang Bamru stations at ground level, and the subsequent section between Bang Bamru and Bang Sue elevated. At no point along the route do the tracks intersect a roadway, thereby reducing disruptions to traffic flow and cutting down on the number of accidents.
Three of the stations along the route are also scheduled for major upgrades. Taling Chan, Bang Bamru and Bang Son will all see improvements to stations, platforms, and other facilities. Station grounds will be landscaped, parking lots and access roads will be improved, and shops will be built. Automatic ticket machines will also be installed. In the future, the tickets purchased from these machines will allow passengers to travel on any of the capital's mass transit systems.
- Expressway
The upper structure of the new six-lane elevated expressway will consist of compressed concrete box girders. The foundation pillars are single posts, tall and slim, with a chiseled groove pattern that gives them a sleek, attractive look. Design plans also call for a space of approximately 40 meters between the foundation pillars in order not to obstruct the view.
There are entrance/exit ramps conveniently spaced along the entire route of the proposed expressway to make driving safe and convenient.
Toll collection will use an open system, with toll booths located at entrances to the expressway. But later if a closed system is adopted for the entire expressway network, additional toll booths can be built at exits, where drivers will pay according to the distance traveled. Closed circuit television and a computerized monitoring system will be installed to control the flow of traffic and ensure safety at all times. The system can be linked with similar systems on other segments of the expressway network.
The asphaltic concrete local road will be two lanes wide for its entire length. The road will run parallel to the railroad tracks on both the left and right sides and will allow for one-way traffic on each side. In Thonburi, there will be three ground-level U-turn locations and four U-turn bridges, while on the Bangkok side, plans call for five ground-level U-turn spots. Trees will be planted on both sides of the railroad tracks, and there will be occasional parks and gardens providing recreational opportunities for local residents. The landscaping will also help to reduce noise and dust levels from traffic using the expressway. The design for the frontage road also includes a drainage and flood prevention system that corresponds to the system outlined in the master plan for Bangkok and the flood prevention measures for Nontaburi province. This system will help to ensure that water drains quickly and safely.
Construction of the new project is expected to take three years. Therefore, if construction gets under way in 2006, the new elevated expressway should be open to traffic in 2009. |
