Bangkok’s Kiakkai Bridge: Construction to Conquer Congestion by 2026
Bangkok’s ambitious urban redevelopment plans are progressing, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) accelerating construction of the Kiakkai Bridge, a vital new Chao Phraya River crossing. Scheduled for completion by 2026, this crucial infrastructure project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the city. However, the BMA faces challenges, including land acquisition delays and the cancellation of other planned bridges due to feasibility issues and public opposition.
Tawatchai Napasaksri, Director of the BMA’s Public Works Department, recently updated the Kiakkai Bridge project, located near the Kiakkai intersection in Bangkok’s Dusit district. This project, part of a larger master plan for Chao Phraya River bridges within the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), is a complex undertaking divided into three phases.
Phase one, constructing an elevated road and roadway on the Thon Buri riverbank, is underway, with foundation work in progress. While completion is slated for November 2026, land acquisition delays are hindering contractor access, highlighting the complexities of urban development in a densely populated city.
Phase two, focusing on the bridge’s main structure and access ramps, is 33.2% complete. This phase includes installing a tower crane, vital for assembling the segmental bridge and reinforcing the pier head. The target completion date for this phase is December 2026.
Phase three, encompassing an elevated road and roadway on the Phra Nakhon side, extending from the riverbank to the Saphan Daeng intersection, awaits cabinet approval for budget allocation. This underscores the substantial financial investment and governmental support required for such large-scale projects.
Concurrently, the BMA addresses the cancellation of the Chan–Charoen Nakhon and Lat Ya–Maha Phruttharam bridges. The Chan–Charoen Nakhon project encountered significant obstacles, including the need for an additional environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strong local opposition. The Lat Ya–Maha Phruttharam project was canceled due to space constraints from high-rise buildings, such as Taksin Hospital, and existing infrastructure, including the BTS Gold Line. The proximity of historical sites—Wat Thong Noppakhun, Wat Thong Thammachat, and Masjid Saifee—within a 1-kilometer radius, coupled with public disapproval, also contributed to its cancellation. These cancellations highlight the multifaceted challenges of urban planning, requiring a balance between development, environmental concerns, historical preservation, and public opinion.
The BMA is exploring alternative solutions to address the traffic congestion the canceled projects were intended to alleviate. The Kiakkai Bridge thus assumes even greater significance as a key component of Bangkok’s evolving transportation network. Its successful completion will enhance Chao Phraya River connectivity and demonstrate the city’s ability to overcome complex challenges and deliver crucial infrastructure projects for its residents.
