Thai Northern Highway Faces Perpetual Repair Dilemma

Thailand's Deputy Minister of Transport has provided an explanation regarding the issue of Highway 117, which connects Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan provinces, being a road that requires "constant repairs year-round." The Deputy Minister acknowledged that continuous maintenance work on this highway is expected to be necessary even in 2027 (Buddhist Era 2570). Highway 117 is a crucial transportation artery connecting the northern region of Thailand with the capital, Bangkok, playing a vital role in logistics and people's mobility. However, for many years, the road surface has suffered severe deterioration and damage, necessitating frequent repairs. Contributing factors are believed to include traffic from overloaded vehicles, impacts of climate change, and structural issues with the road itself. The perpetual state of repairs leads to traffic congestion, increased logistics costs, and inconvenience for drivers and local residents. Furthermore, the continuous allocation of limited budgets and personnel to repairs raises concerns about the impact on other infrastructure development projects. The Thai government is compelled to seek a fundamental solution beyond mere ad-hoc repairs. Options such as rebuilding the road, using more durable materials, or implementing traffic volume control measures are likely to be considered for future action. Source: MGR Online (Regional)