Industrial Ringroad Bridge [Archive]

ncr

16-01-05, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by The Enforcer!
I gather one of the giant cranes on the Phra Chedi side, being used to construct this bridge, collapsed on Thursday.Yeah, there was a short article in The Nation yesterday, saying something to the effect of "two arms of a giant crane, weighing 20 tonnes [!] each, collapsed and fell to the ground at the construction site for a new bridge across the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan Province, damaging a house, a utility pole and a fence".

[Must have been a hell of a crash!]

Of course the writers didn't have a clue about the background of this bridge construction. (Same as with the local coverage of mass transit/traffic politics.) But that's what we have 2Bangkok for, then!

Wesley HSu

25-01-05, 12:58 PM

I'm surprised that none of the local English press has taken an interest in the bridge. Seems a nice shot of a big construction project is just the kind of space-filling, colorful, apolitical thing that the Post would put on the front page of a slow news day.

For that matter, I'm surprised no TRT politician has used it as a backdrop for a campaign poster!

Wisarut

25-01-05, 01:28 PM

This is the bridge handled by Rural highway Dept as a part of Royal Project which those owners of ferries across Chaophraya between Paknam and downtown Phra Padaeng would NOT dare to obstruct ... eve nthoug hthe project has been delayed so the openign of this bridge will be August 12, 2005.

The Enforcer!

25-01-05, 02:13 PM

the opening of this bridge will be August 12, 2005.
Really .... eight months time?

Perhaps it will be used to ferry to motorcade to the opening of the new airport the week after?

The Enforcer!

GWR

06-03-05, 08:36 PM

It appears from the picture currently on the frontpage that they are also building some sort of 'cut' through the neck of the meander next to the bridge. It would appear that a lot of the excavation has already been done and that some sort of lock or sluice system has also been built at the nearest end. It also looks as though the local road (under the three-way bridge) has already been given its own bridge over this 'shortcut'. Does anyone know if this is a shortcut for barge & ferry traffic (doubt it's big enough for ships, as the 'penstocks'[engineers please ignore dodgy 'lay' talk] aren't high or wide enough), a flood control measure, a tidal control measure or all three?

admin

06-03-05, 09:02 PM

You can see a better view of the flood control channel by clicking on the panaorama on this page:
http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Bridge/wongwein/wongwein.shtml

It looks like there is not enough room for ships...

GWR

06-03-05, 09:27 PM

Apologies if this is already posted elsewhere! This is a multiple image jigsaw webpage, so save the whole page if you wish to keep the map.
http://www.alpi-sea.com/irr_map.htm
http://www.alpi-sea.com/construction_projects.htm
http://www.alpi-sea.com/irr_front.htm

GWR

06-03-05, 09:41 PM

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3575&postcount=1

Wisarut

07-03-05, 01:19 PM

Khun GWR Said:

It appears from the picture currently on the frontpage that they are also building some sort of 'cut' through the neck of the meander next to the bridge. It would appear that a lot of the excavation has already been done and that some sort of lock or sluice system has also been built at the nearest end. It also looks as though the local road (under the three-way bridge) has already been given its own bridge over this 'shortcut'. Does anyone know if this is a shortcut for barge & ferry traffic (doubt it's big enough for ships, as the 'penstocks'[engineers please ignore dodgy 'lay' talk] aren't high or wide enough), a flood control measure, a tidal control measure or all three?

That's the expanded Klong Lad Pho (Pho Shortcut Canal) .. This one is for flood control & and saline water control as well as small boats, long tail boats, Chao Phraya Express + barges transportation ... NO Ocean Ships ALLOWED to use this canal due to canal width.

Wisarut

08-03-05, 11:22 AM

I just got the latest news abotu this bridge -> It is 43% Done ... ready to be opened on Decembr 5, 2005

ncr

02-06-05, 03:07 AM

As 2B is closely monitoring the ongoing construction of the Industrial Ring Road Bridge, here are once again some QuickBird satellite images, nicely illustrating the overall layout (acquired 10 January 2005):

(scales approximate)

Overview (http://tinypic.com/5fnaq8) (1:17,000) of Yannawa/Phra Pradaeng, with Rama 9 Bridge at the top left and the entire road connection (under construction) to Rama 3 visible.

1:10,000 (http://tinypic.com/5lar7t)

Detail (http://tinypic.com/5lar9z) (1:5000) of the three-way connection. Note the new canal on the right (the name is Lad Pho Canal, I think, and it is also supposed to serve as a shortcut for the future boat service from Bangkok to Samut Prakan??), and also the old one on the left - approximate alignment of the former 'Phra Pradaeng Tram' Line?

-- tip: compare images to the project map (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Bridge/wongwein/wongwein.shtml)
(also http://www.alpi-sea.com/irr_map.htm and http://www.alpi-sea.com/irr_map1.htm)

ncr

05-06-05, 11:55 PM

And as an added bonus, Bangkok's "floating forest" can be seen here (http://tinypic.com/5nui6p) (west of Rama IX Bridge). Scale approx. 1:3000.

(See http://2bangkok.com/news05d.shtml#floating for the story. The bridge is depicted in the first photo, looking east.)

Yappofloyd

07-06-05, 02:10 PM

Khun ncr,
Thanks for posting these...never did get an answer as to why all those sawn logs have been left on the river adjacent the park other than to provide children with a place to play and fishermen greater access to the river.

The Enforcer!

20-08-05, 07:30 AM

Just a short question. Whne the IRR Bridge iscomplete will they be upgrading the roads to complete the circle through Yannawa, Klongtoey, Phra Khannong, Bangna and Samut Prakarn?

The Rama III junction at Klongtoey is congested now - it will get worse if more vehicles use it!

The Enforcer!

admin

23-09-05, 10:43 PM

(from the September 24, 2005 2B front page) It appears that a cabling crane (?) is being moved into place. Anyone know about this device?

ncr

24-09-05, 11:50 PM

But that device doesn't have anything to do with the cables. It's used to install deck segments and apparently called a "derrick crane for cantilever construction" or something similar (I am not a civil engineer): article about Rama VIII Bridge (http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/ceonline03/0703feat.html)

(Scroll down halfway to these photos: 1 (http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/art/art03/0703feat8A.jpg) - 2 (http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/art/art03/0703feat9A.jpg), and read the description next to them.)

jerryfin

25-09-05, 02:03 PM

I also think they are for decking erection, but compared to the Rama VIII Bridge derrick, these have much less reach. I say "they" because since I took the photo, it has seperated into two parts. As they don't yet have any winches, I am thinking this may be only a part of the complete derrick. But then again, I am not sure as they have already removed the heavy-lift crane they used to assemble the existing part.
As there are only about 15 cables on each side of the bridge(only 15 anchor points), the decking sections would need to be large.

jerryfin

03-10-05, 06:48 PM

One of the blue machines(We will call it Viagra 1 as it is blue and facilitates erection) is creeping toward the threshhold above the river..it moves about 20 metres a day. They erected them some way back from the threshhold, because there was no space on the ground for the heavy lift crane to assemble them anywhere else.

Jazzbass

19-10-05, 03:05 PM

There are 2 pair of Erection Gantries for each of the Stay Cable Decks, so 8 in total (Prapadaeng, Poochao, Rama 3 & Soopanawa). The First Deck Lift was on 12th October at Prapadaeng. The next scheduled lift is on Poochao side on 25th October.
In response to earlier observations, the Erection Gantries do not use winches for lifting but rather VSL Heavy Lifting (Strand) Jacks.

jerryfin

19-10-05, 08:51 PM

Many thanks for the comments and schedule Jazzbass......I am still assuming that the entire decking will be steel and proceed relatively quickly after they locate and secure the first section on each tower. I have now counted again the anchor points and believe there will be 14 cables on each side of each tower, or 28 per tower and 56 per bridge. If that is correct, then the towers for the south crossing are both as high as they need be(contain 28 tubes each) for support and will only be extended for decorative effect.

jerryfin

25-10-05, 10:49 PM

Fantastic Jazzbass! Sure enough, they raised the first road section on the most southern tower today.

Jazzbass

26-10-05, 09:17 AM

Fantastic Jazzbass! Sure enough, they raised the first road section on the most southern tower today.

The Pylon structures are almost complete (structurally). Once the formwork for the pylon construction is removed, the stay cable winch shall be installed and work platforms will be installed on the pylon face.The Tubes as you call them are in fact called guide pipes and these are for the stay cable insertion into the pylon and subsequent anchoring at the inner face of the pylon. The stay cables will be inserted into the 2nd deck unit to be lifted with the erection gantries & the back span & this will commence at Prapadaeng side in November.

BangkokBlues

07-11-05, 06:30 PM

The current picture featured on the site with the towering highways, rickshaw and pickup makes me wonder about the stability regarding earthquakes. So many single risers, I looked at it for awhile then it started dancing a bit, that might have the Chang influence but all in all it seems a fair question. Any answers or comments to address this issue.

jerryfin

10-11-05, 11:24 AM

Thanks again Jazzbass for your detail. Today the erection gantries have moved to the edge of the first section of deck recently lifted into place on tower 3(counting north to south). They have lifted the second span section off the barge and left it hanging just above the river. It has a mounting point at each side for suspension cables and so they may be going to attach the cables before raising it up to the roadway level. On the above-ground roadway section of tower 3 there are laid out sections of what appear to be large cables in 50meter lengths.
From my rough calculations, I estimate the north bridge span to be 280 meters wide and with 46 meters clearance at high water. The southern span is about 390 meters wide with a clearance of 56.5 meters at high water.

jerryfin

20-11-05, 02:58 PM

They have started to install cables now on tower 3.

ncr

17-01-06, 12:58 PM

A rendering (http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1088/mega14sc.jpg) of the completed Industrial Ring Road Bridge from a full-page property ad ("The Pano", a new condo on Rama III) in yesterday's Bangkok Post.

jerryfin

14-02-06, 10:13 PM

jerryfin

14-02-06, 10:26 PM

NCR, thanks for the rendering. That appears to be based upon a photo taken from the top of residential Tower 5 of SV City Condominium...from where the apex of the inverted "Y" of the bridge towers is level with the horizon. From my 34th floor condo in Tower 3, I sometimes see photographers perched on the top of Tower 5 taking photos. I take most of my shots from the top of Tower 3 (the tallest of the residential towers, or the top of the main office building(SVOA).
In the PANO rendition, it appears there are two bridges over the canal...but the lower one is the actual bridge and the upper one is just the artist's imagination gone wild.

admin

14-02-06, 10:31 PM

BTW: all the photos on this page:
http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Bridge/wongwein/wongwein14.shtml
with "2Bangkok.com" as the photo credit were taken from inside the Pano model showroom... 22 million for the three bedroom penthouse!

ncr

15-02-06, 06:21 PM

I heard from a Thai friend today who works at Pra Padeng (bridge site) that the name of the bridge is Thee Pung Korn...the name of the King's grandson. Is this correct and likely to be the offical name?Oh, interesting. No idea, but as can be seen here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipangkorn_Rasmijoti), the prince's given name is Dipangkorn Rasmijoti. (Or Tipangkorn Rasmichoti, or Thee Pung Korn Rasameechote, or similar; we all know the uncertainties of Thai-Roman transliterations, especially when rather antiquated spellings are used for royal names and HM The King's name should more correctly be transcribed as Phumiphon Adunyadet. I don't even want to mention "Suvarnabhumi" Airport. But anyway.)

Now that's cool....... having a mega-bridge named after you when you're just barely one year old.........

Wisarut

15-02-06, 08:05 PM

I got hte information from the latest issue of Prachachart Thurakij
(Feb 16-19, 2006) that the Rama 4 Bridge at Pakkret and Dipangkorn Ratsameechote Bridge at prapradaeng will be OPENED on Decemebr 5, 2006 :eek: :p ;) :D

jerryfin

25-02-06, 12:10 PM

They now have 5 more (3 on the south tower and two on the north tower) road decking sections to erect on the southern river crossing, making a total or 15 each side. They have a similar number remaining to be installed on the northern crossing (Total 12 each side). The erection normally proceeds at the rate of one section per week per tower. But it has been suggested that Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin may have a gap let in the northern crossing to allow for very tall ships to pass parallel with Rama 3 to carry all the passangers who will now be left stranded by the cancellation of the BRT project. This will also have the effect of reducing the anticipated congestion where the mega bridge crossing traffic joins Rama 3. But this is possibly just rumour.:rolleyes:

admin

26-02-06, 10:55 AM

Does anyone know the opening date of the mega-bridge???

jerryfin

01-03-06, 08:28 AM

I don't see any reason why the suggested December 2006 date should not still be valid. But yesterday was the first time I have seen them bring a span section from the source somewhere down river and then take it back again several hours later. There are only four more span sections to erect on the southern crossing and they were adding one section per tower every week. Yesterday was the turn of tower 3, but something spooked them and they aborted the lift. Maybe they took it back to file a bit off!
Even though the spans could all be completed this month if the previous schedule is followed, there are still two approach road spans to be completed (normally takes about one month per span) on the north and south access roads plus a section of elevated road connecting towers 2 and 3.

jerryfin

01-03-06, 12:53 PM

They are trying again now to raise the next section on tower 3. It's 1/3 the way up, but the barge that brought the section to the site is still hanging around suspiciously as if this lift may also be aborted.

I have just measured the gap still to be closed between tower 3 and 4 and discovered that with all the available cable slots occupied and supporting conventional span sections (15 each side), there will be a gap in the middle that is approximately the same span as one of the standard spans (approx 13 meters..longitudinally, not road/span width). Therefore once all the cables are erected and conventional spans attached, there will still be one more final section to add. The question is, will it be prefabricated and hoisted up like the others or constructed on site at the bridge road level?

joejoe

16-03-06, 06:18 PM

I think you can observe the final segment or closure segment lifting on Monday (20-3-06)

jerryfin

16-03-06, 07:04 PM

Thanks for that schedule. They position the barge and hoist the sections so quickly now, it's difficult to get across there on time once the barge is sighted. Have been glued to the window, but now knowing it'll be Monday, I should be able to get out and enjoy the weekend.:)

jerryfin

20-03-06, 08:35 PM

As advised by JoeJoe, the center section was hoisted today. All the photos I took are at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=/5297
Photo 666 shows the first man crossing.

joejoe

22-03-06, 02:54 PM

Nice Pictures!! How can I have a full size ones?

BTW, for your info, The lifting of the north bridge closure segment is schedules to be on next monday (27-3-06)

jerryfin

22-03-06, 06:04 PM

Hi JoeJoe,

Thanks for schedule of the north towers.

If you e-mail me at jerryfin@yahoo.com then I can know your e-mail address and send zip files in batches of less than 10mbs. The pictures are about 1mb each. If you don't want them all, then just tell me the picture numbers you want.

jerryfin

28-03-06, 12:12 AM

The northern half of the mega bridge was joined today as predicted by JoeJoe and Jazzbass. Below is a reference that may take you to my Yahoo! Photos page of the pictures I took today;
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=5f1d&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Jazzbass

28-03-06, 11:30 AM

For those interested
You will be able to see the video of the construction of the IRR Mega Bridge Deck on Discovery Channel towards the end of 2006

jerryfin

01-04-06, 09:40 AM

They added the 'golden' spire base to the top of tower 3 for a couple of days this week, but then removed it again...presumably for final adjustments and fitting to the 7 (approx) meter tall spire...also 'gold'. Below is a link to the photos I took of the spire yesterday and a picture of a section of the 'gold' cable.....which infact turns out to be a piece of yellow plastic tube about 20 cms in diameter and about 4 mm thick. The actual cable is much smaller.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=/c118

joejoe

01-04-06, 01:20 PM

FYI, the Yellow tube is only the cover made of HDPE (High-Density-PolyEthelene). The actual stay cable inside is a group of high-tensile strands. Number of strands vary to the force of each stay.

joejoe

01-04-06, 01:40 PM

Yesterday (31-3-06) evening There is a small ceremony on the North bridge. The Permanent Secretary of ministry of transport and the governor of Samutprakarn province are invited by the director-general of department of rural roads to join the construction of the bridge at the closure segment as it connects Bangkok and Samutprakarn province. They tightened the last bolts and place the concrete at the joint together.

Nekochan

18-04-06, 12:17 AM

There is news in BKK Post about the completion of the project in Oct 06.

If it is so, will it be opened on Dec 5?? (as expected)

It is also a Royal Initiated project.

The Enforcer!

18-04-06, 07:13 AM

If it is so, will it be opened on Dec 5?? (as expected)

Absolutely - I look forward to the 50% reduction in traffic on Sathorn Road that it promises.

The Enforcer!

jerryfin

10-05-06, 12:21 PM

They are removing/lowering the tower crane on tower 3. They lowered it below the top of the spire and so I was wondering how they would get a direct lift on the stabilising braces (the boom would hit the tower). I got my answer this morning...they slung a hook and cable from the counter weight section of the boom. Pictures at this link.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=/4239scd

jerryfin

16-07-06, 10:05 PM

I walked the Mega bridge today from Rama 3, crossing both bridges. I was surprised at how well advanced it is, with some sections having been asphalted and white lines painted, lighting and emergency call boxes installed. My photos can be seen at:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=/67fcscd

ncr

17-07-06, 01:54 AM

....and they just let anyone walk over the bridge? (OK, I know, we are in Thailand.) Also, how did you get up there? It's an awfully long ramp, so you must have used some staircase?

Wow, 175 pics --- how good that we don't need to waste any film anymore in these modern times, eh?..... Anyway, some very very nice views, and a good update on the work progress!

By the way, what is that housing (?) development in pictures 13-16 between the mega bridge and Rama IX Bridge?

136-138 shows the Southern Outer Ringroad Bridge under construction, right?

P.S.
Q: "what does pic 115 show?"
A: "three bridge nuts"
:D :D :D

jerryfin

17-07-06, 01:11 PM

I walked the road route from Rama 3 across and back(there is a personnel hoist near tower 3 at Prapadeang). I politely asked the security guard on the access barrier if I could take some shots and he allowed me to walk on...it was Sunday lunch time.

The #114 shot was intended to show my condo (SV City) with a street lamp anchor in the foreground. You chose to refer to the shot as a picture of bridge nuts. I would respectfully suggest you refer to it as a shot of some studs:)

I forget the name of that housing project with Rama IX in the background...it certainly is very impressive and quite close to Rama 3 Road if you walk or drive from Rama 3 under the bridge access ramp. I think it is not yet occupied.

Yes, that is the Outer Ring Road bridge in some of the shots. It is now at the point where they will be constructing the section that supports the cable....but regardless of how soon they finish the towers, they have not begun the access elevated roadways.....which in the case of the Mega bridge, required one month per span to complete.
I would have shown 275 pictures if Yahoo! Photos hadn't had a "network" error while uploading. I will attach a reference below for the additional 100 shots.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jerryfin/album?.dir=/1db8scd

I am the nut with the blue shirt. The yellow-shirted gentleman is my neighbor, Doug, who took the CIMG-prefixed shots.

ncr

18-07-06, 04:45 AM

Thanks for the additional info (and pics).

I politely asked the security guard on the access barrier if I could take some shots and he allowed me to walk on...Haha, you duped him..... some shots....... :p

The #114 shot was intended to show my condo (SV City) with a street lamp anchor in the foreground. You chose to refer to the shot as a picture of bridge nuts. I would respectfully suggest you refer to it as a shot of some studsYou are right, but it looks like they have nuts on them, so they are studs with nuts! :D

The yellow-shirted gentleman is my neighbor, DougClearly a monarchist.... and it wasn't even a Monday. :)

ncr

19-07-06, 03:17 PM

Now if somebody could walk and photograph the Skytrain viaduct in a similar fashion to inform us about the progress of the Thonburi extension.....?

Or maybe we should organize a 2B hiking tour for all bridge and rail nuts coming weekend? ;)

bman

30-07-06, 01:26 AM

Can some one please confirm the actual height of the newly built Mega Bridge? According to this web page and some others, the height has a ship clearance of 50 meters: http://www.enerpac.com/Main_Navigation/Ideas_in_action/home_IRR.html . But from the pictures posted here http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Bridge/wongwein/wongwein18.shtml it doesn't look like 50 meters at all. BTW, thanks for all the beautiful pictures of the bridge over the course of its construction period, and hopefully there will be more nice pictures posted in the future.

jerryfin

16-08-06, 12:59 PM

As far as I can see, asphalting and white line painting is largely complete on the bridge and access roads. They even have the traffic lights and junction markings finished at the access road junction with Rama 3. The most amount of activity now seems to be on the recreation areas under the bridges especially at Prapa Daeng. My prediction is that it will be open before the airport. My 2nd prediction is that it will be open between September 27 and December 7. My last prediction is.....

jerryfin

20-08-06, 12:37 PM

For the second time this week, they have been testing the Mega Bridge tower lights, presumably in preparation for the opening. There are rows of lights along the tower verticals and they change color in unison every few seconds. Some pictures at the reference belowshow the different colors. They are not a pure representation of the colors because the camera kept the shutter open so long, more than one color was exposed in each shot.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jerryfin/album/576460762305880687#page1

Wisarut

20-08-06, 07:10 PM

It is very safe to say tat the openign date of thast bridge is on Decmber 5, 2006

jerryfin

08-09-06, 11:22 PM

Seems my prediction of the Mega Bridge opening before the new airport, may come true. It is likely the Mega Bridge may open tomorrow..Saturday night..or at least very soon after the wing-ding being prepared at the bridge...I may be wrong, but something seems about to happen.

Wisarut

08-09-06, 11:33 PM

Wel, Princess Ubonrat will come to start the walk marathon on September 9, 2006 on that bridge ... a rsign that the brige will be OPENED very soon ...

Well, Ai Pheng ... Don't become a busybody by grabbing the work whcih is supposed to be done by princess Ubonrat :p

jerryfin

10-09-06, 01:34 PM

The celebration fireworks on the bridge were really great last night....worthy of an opening surely, but still unlikely to be used by traffic before December 5th as advised by Wisarut above

It was interesting to note that two Prapadeng car ferries were used for launching the fireworks. Probably that is the first time a ferry company has ever joined in celebrating the opening of a bridge! But according to a recent Bangkok Post article, the lady that owns the ferry company was well rewarded for the sale of her land on which the southernmost bridge tower was built.

Pictures attached at this link, showing the ferries before the show in the first picture:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jerryfin/album/576460762312149772#page1

joejoe

12-09-06, 10:24 AM

to Jerry
Do you know ther is a photo contest for the bridge pictures. You may win the top award!! Detail of the contest can be checked at http://www.dor.go.th/main/files/092165544.pdf

joejoe

12-09-06, 04:40 PM

What is your meaning for 'it doesn't look like 50 meters at all'? It looks higher or lower than 50 metres to you? Actually the bridge navigation channel required by Marine Department for the south bridge is 50.5 x 250 metres above the highest water level. By the vertical curve of the bridge msin span, the clear height at the mid span of the South bridge is at about 58 metres. and a few metres lower at the North bridge.

jerryfin

12-09-06, 06:40 PM

I did a very(?) scientific(??) measurement of the bridges recently and posted the results here somewhere. As above, the north bridge is about 5 meters less than the south one. I climbed up the fire escape on our building (SV City) until the bridge underside lined up with the horizon and then measured each floor etc. etc....

jerryfin

12-09-06, 06:42 PM

Many thanks JoeJoe for taking the trouble to inform. I heard there was a contest but had no idea how to join. Thanks..

mdechgan

16-09-06, 10:34 AM

Does anyone have a simple map in English on how to drive across the bridge and where does it go?

How can one get on the bridge?

My friend told me that from the Thonburi side of the river one just drives on the Kanchanapisek road south all the way and you will reach the bridge, is this true?

He also said one goes to Samrong while the other goes to Charoen Krung.

Is this true?

After we cross where do we end up?

jerryfin

20-09-06, 06:59 AM

The bridge is open to all traffic. There were little blue signs on some electric post yesterday advising of this but doubtful it would come true. But it certainly has. What a day to open!

Wisarut

20-09-06, 10:56 AM

Jerry, That's an UNOFFICIAL Openign of the Mega-bridge to relieve the ttraffic jam durign the construction of Bang Na extension alogn with Opengin of Suvannabhum .... :D ;) :p :) Ther Full and official opening will be very soon

jerryfin

20-09-06, 11:39 AM

Thanks Wisarut. The heaviest traffic appears to be travelling from west to south, although now traffic from south to north is pciking up. No one seems to be using the ferries....Bht0.00 is a better bet than Bht25.00! It will be interesting to see tomorrow after the "holiday" which will be the part of the bridge used most heavily.

joejoe

21-09-06, 01:41 PM

In the moring there was also lot of traffic from west to north. Guess that the incoming traffic the used to use the Rama IX bridge now shift to the new one that is free. Likewise, Bht0 is better than Bht40.

They will install the 60yrs anniversary of the King accession to the throne logos on the Closewall of the bridge pylons (the triangular area where the upper legs join together) The official openning will be after the installation finish. That is approximately around the King's Birthday!!
:)

joejoe

21-09-06, 01:54 PM

The Map show how to get on the bridges can be found at http://www.dor.go.th/main/files/094453.pdf
but this is in Thai

bman

24-09-06, 06:12 AM

Finally there's a response! Thanks. I only see the bridge from the pictures, and from the ones here and similar ones http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Bridge/wongwein/wongwein16.shtml the bridge seems to be about 35 meters high. So Jerry, from your measurements, how many story high is the center part of the bridge in the pictures above? You said that you posted your measurement somewhere. I am curious to read it. Thanks.

jerryfin

25-09-06, 08:03 PM

I can't find the results of my previous measurement..I posted it on 2BKK someplace:confused:
This Sunday I will do the SV fire escape measurement again and let you know but what JoeJoe says is better than anything I can tell you from my "system".

joejoe

03-11-06, 09:49 AM

They have finished installation the signs 60yrs anniversary of the King accession to the throne on all of the pylons already with the yellow cladding background. The opening date may be soon.

BangkokBlues

22-11-06, 02:38 AM

What is it??? I went under both sections Sunday, our GPS said something like Flyover Wanwien Kalagkaa......that is not correct but I did not write it down, this was on the section near SVC City and Rama III. I would like to know the Thai designated name.

ncr

22-11-06, 06:15 PM

See this thread (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1428) (post #2, 5 and 6)...

The Enforcer!

28-11-06, 08:06 AM

BangkokBlues

29-11-06, 05:40 PM

The name of the bridge is Chaturatid and/or Wong Wian Utsahakam.

Chaturatid means "North, South, East & West" (four compass directions)

Wong Wian Utsahakam means Industrial Roundabout

Please jump in here and comment on the above content, thanks

The Enforcer!

30-11-06, 07:11 AM

How come other sites say it is called 'Saphan Teepangkorn Rasmichoti' ?

The Enforcer!

Parinand

30-11-06, 01:12 PM

The unofficial name of this bridge is not Wong Wian Utsahakam, literally Industrial Roundabout, but it is Wong Waen Utsahakam, literally Industrial Ring Road.

The bridge forms a section of the Industrial Ring Road, a royal initiative aimed to relieve traffic congestion in the Port and the nearby industrial zones.

BangkokBlues

30-11-06, 04:07 PM

How come other sites say it is called 'Saphan Teepangkorn Rasmichoti' ?

The Enforcer!............What sites??????

The Enforcer!

01-12-06, 12:07 PM

............What sites??????

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Bridge for one.

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1428 for another.

The Enforcer!

Ahoerstemeier

01-12-06, 03:24 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mega_Bridge for one.

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1428 for another.

The Enforcer!
Hmmm, maybe because the first one was enlarged and updated by me using the information I found on this forum :-) However the corresponding Thai Wikipedia article is named สะพานทีปังกรรัศมีโชติ (Sapahn Dipangkorn Rasmijoti), and I guess the Thai people should know better about the right name than us who are limited to those few english translations.

BangkokBlues

02-12-06, 07:41 AM

I got the two names I posted from talking with TAT, they first stated the Chaturiatid name then the Wong Wian....I agree the "Ring Road" is more likely than the "Roundabout", but they used the term roundabout in defining it to me. It was logical considering the compass concept. Keep poking the bush, the true name will come out. I need to know, I take my boat down there often with friends and tourists on board, everyone asks.

The Enforcer!

02-12-06, 07:55 AM

my boat

Wow! A man with no blues!

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

07-12-06, 08:16 AM

Does anyone know if the mega-bridge was officially opened on 5th?

The Enforcer!

Richard Barrow

07-12-06, 10:04 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the bridge officially opened on 9th September? They had the marathon walk across the bridge on that day and a member of the royal family was invited. Shortly afterwards it was open to traffic.

You can see my report and photos by clicking here (http://www.richardbarrow.com/content/view/537/69/).

From what I have seen so far this bridge is NOT part of the industrial ring road. Another bridge being built a little further south downriver is THE outer ring road. It is possible that the out ring road will have an exit that will take you to the mega bridge, but I cannot see any evidence of this happening. Plus, some earlier maps showing the intended route of the industrial ring road and the two new bridges DON'T show a connection between the two.

For people living in Samut Prakan, the outer ring road will make travel a lot quicker and easier. We will no longer have to go into Bangkok in order to cross the river for points south and north. We will be able to get onto the ring road by the giant Chang Erawan on Sukhumwit Road or near Tesco Lotus on Srinakarin Road. These two overpasses are still being built. It is a shame about the former as it is going to surround the giant three headed elephant. It won't dwarf it but it will make it look less significant. There were reports earlier that the late Khun Lek built Chang Erawan at that location and then presented it to the King in order to stop the outer ring road. Ironically, the engineers bulldozed his house instead!

The Enforcer!

07-12-06, 10:15 AM

The Enforcer!

07-12-06, 10:19 AM

From what I have seen so far this bridge is NOT part of the industrial ring road.
A number of other sites claim it is ...

http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/chao/
http://www.thaiengineering.com/demo/viewnew.php?id=320

Although as the 'road' bit seems lacking I cannot follow what the IRR is trying to achieve.

The Enforcer!

Richard Barrow

07-12-06, 11:23 AM

I have marked the section of the outer ring road that they are working on at the moment on this screenshot (http://www.paknam.com/images/outerringroad.jpg) from Google Earth. I really do hope that the outer ring road will connect to the mega bridge that is now open. I am in that area at the weekend as I want to try and find some ruins of a fort. So, I will let you know if I find any evidence of a link between these two bridges/roads.

A - This is where the outer ring road stops/starts at the moment near Suksawat Road in Phra Pradaeng. The bridge towers are complete and they have started to span the river.

B - At this point it will cross Sukhumwit Road at Chang Erawan (Erawan Museum). The ramps on either side are nearly complete.

C - At this point it will cross Srinakarin Road just south of Tesco Lotus. The ramps on either side are nearly complete.

D - At this point it will cross Theparak Road.

E - At this point it will join with the exisiting outer ring road at the Bang Na - Trad Highway. The new airport is 10 minutes from here.

Ahoerstemeier

07-12-06, 03:27 PM

Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the bridge officially opened on 9th September? They had the marathon walk across the bridge on that day and a member of the royal family was invited. Shortly afterwards it was open to traffic.

Was that really the official inauguration? From what I read it was just opened before because it was ready and to relieve traffic, but it was only an unofficial opening. Or did they move the whole ceremony from December to September as well? The I have to correct the Wikipedia article...

Richard Barrow

07-12-06, 04:34 PM

I would wait before you update anything. I was speaking with a taxi driver this afternoon and he agrees with me - the King hasn't given a name to the bridge yet. So, it could also mean it hasn't offically opened yet. You cannot open something that doesn't have a name. All reports said this would happen on 5th December but none of the papers reported anything.

I have just got home and checked the latest map by ThinkNet and they do indeed have a link between the outer ring road and the mega bridge. Click here (http://www.paknam.com/images/outerringroad_2.jpg) to see a scan.

The Enforcer!

08-12-06, 08:41 AM

I would wait before you update anything. I was speaking with a taxi driver this afternoon and he agrees with me - the King hasn't given a name to the bridge yet.

I think I am right to say that with the Phak Kret Bridge being Rama IV, they have a Bridge for each Rama now ...so I wonder what the Mega-bridge will be called?

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

25-12-06, 11:14 AM

When it was planned I heard stories of how it would greatly reduce traffic on Taksin and Rama IX bridges - so far I have seen no effect - anyone else?

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

22-01-07, 08:37 AM

Yesterday I had an opportunity to be driven all over the Mega-Bridge and I am not suprised it appears to be poorly used ... the signage is absolutely appalling.

At Rama III, Sukhumvit, Puchao Saming Prai and Suksawat there is no advance signage telling you that the Bridge is ahead. Nor any signage to tell you where it goes at all.

At Rama III there is one sign at the right turn into it, at Puchao Saming Prai there is no signage until you at at the turning and I could see nothing at Suksawat. At Sukhumvit there is only a sign "to the Ferry"!

The Enforcer!

Richard Barrow

22-01-07, 06:16 PM

I also drove over this bridge yesterday and I can tell you that compared to a month ago there is certainly a lot more traffic. In December it wasn't much of a problem to stop on the bridge and take some pictures of the views. However, I wouldn't do that any more. But, I take your point. When I came back on Suksawat Road, the sign was only saying turn left for Puchao Saming Prai Road and Rama III. No indication that the road would lead to a bridge. Maybe this is partly due to the problem that the bridge still doesn't have an official name. How can you promote something when it doesn't have a name?

A secondary problem to consider is its usefulness. Where does it go and who is it for? For myself I am using it to cross from Samut Prakan to Phra Pradaeng. I no longer have to queue for the car ferry. Obviously many other people are doing the same as me. Last month I came back by car ferry and instead of waiting in a queue to get on the boat for 20 minutes, I drove straight onto the ferry and had to wait 10 minutes or so for it to fill up! However, I wouldn't put Puchao Saming Prai Road into the same league as the mega bridge. It is like having a dirt track leading up to the Grand Palace.

What will make the difference is the completion of the Kanchanpisek Outer ringroad. People travelling the southern section in a clockwise direction will be able to branch off the ring road shortly after the Erawan Museum and cross the megabridge into Bangkok via Rama III. Obviously they can also do this in the opposite direction and gain direct access to the southern stretch of the outer ring road. However, speaking personally, if I wanted to go from Samut Prakan to Phra Pradaeng on the other side of the river, I would (as soon as it is finished) get onto the outer ringroad at the Erawan Museum and then cross the river on the new Phra Pradaeng bridge. And if I wanted to drive into Bangkok, I probably would drive to Bangna and get onto the expressway there. It is a shame, because the mega bridge is a really nice bridge to drive over.

I was going to post a picture of the latest bridge which I took yesterday but looks like I can only do a link. So, click here (http://www.thailandphotomap.com/images/IMG_9138.jpg) for an uptodate picture of the new bridge over the outer ringroad southern section. They have already started to narrow the gap between the two towers. I took this picture from the exit ramp from the outer ring road on the Phra Pradaeng side. Hopefully the southern section and the bridge will be completed before the end of the year. I certainly cannot wait as it will make a tremendous difference to our ability to quickly get to locations outside of Bangkok.