City officials confirm that the new tunnel will be open to the public on August 25, 2017.

According to a recent article in the Pattaya Mail, Pattaya city spokesperson Major-General Pinit Maneerath and Director of Pattaya’s Civil Engineering Division Mr. Suntorn Sompramai made a formal announcement at a recent press meeting on August 2nd that the much anticipated and long awaited new tunnel will officially open on August 25th, 2017.

City officials have been inundated by complaints from frustrated commuters and businesses alongside the busy Sukhumvit Road route for over 3 years, ever since construction first began. Thankfully the end goal is now finally in sight and I’m hoping that this new tunnel will alleviate much of the traffic congestion issues previously experienced alongside this notoriously busy intersection, and as such justify it’s 840 Million Thai Baht price tag. Furthermore, Major-General Pinit reiterated that city officials had done their job from day one, and had constantly chased up the contractors ever since the initial construction delays had first began. He then went onto say that the contractors had been reluctant to submit the project plans to the Highway Department until such a time as the new tunnel had been rigorous tested and signed off as being fit for use, which is perfectly understandable.

However there is still one small caveat, Major-General Pinit then went on to admit that they’re still in the process of hiring competent personnel to operate and maintain the new tunnel. Thankfully a formal request had been made to the Department of Rural Roads for a interim team of personnel to stand in, and that he anticipates no further delays, which I’m sure must come as a great relief to many frustrated commuters and local businesses alike.