Major Highway Expansion Completed to Boost Thai-Cambodian Trade and Regional Connectivity

• 24 October 2024
• Construction Focus
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The Thai Department of Highways has announced the full completion of the Highway 317 expansion project, upgrading the route from Chanthaburi to Sa Kaeo from two lanes to four lanes. The project, which spans over 16 kilometres and cost approximately $26 million, aims to enhance trade and economic growth between Thailand and Cambodia by strengthening infrastructure and regional connectivity. This significant achievement was reported by Pattayamail on 22 October 2024.

The newly expanded road stretches from Soi Dao to Ban Khao Laem, covering the segment from kilometre 65 + 350 to kilometre 82 + 000, connecting Thailand’s eastern and northeastern regions with a direct route to Cambodia.

The highway features two lanes in each direction, each 3.5 metres wide, with 2.5-metre-wide sidewalks and concrete barriers for added safety. In community areas, the road widens to 10 lanes, incorporating five lanes in each direction, sidewalks, and additional pedestrian pathways. The infrastructure upgrade also includes the construction of six twin bridges, multiple U-turns, street lighting, and 21 traffic signs to improve road safety and traffic management.

The project is expected to significantly bolster the region’s economic landscape by enhancing the transportation of goods and supporting key industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The improvements are also anticipated to reduce travel time, increase safety, and elevate the quality of life for local communities, contributing to broader social and economic development in both Thailand and Cambodia.

• Economy and Finance
• Road and Infrastructure