Ch. Karnchang Public Co., Ltd.
2004-2007
An unbroken elevated span
At the crossing point, the Chao Phraya River forms a meander. The road and bridges span both parts of the river, and remain elevated as they cross the peninsula.
Three times more traffic
The structure is designed to take three times the current maximum traffic load, with seven lanes of traffic and two high pillars.
The whole Industrial Ring Road is a 13 kilometre long project consisting of a motorway and two bridges crossing the Chao Phraya River twice.
These two cable stayed bridges have navigation spans of 398 and 326 metres. The project also includes three approach structures, including a 50-metre central peninsula interchange that connects the west approach to the main north-south motorway.
Geometry, coordination and a dense urban setting
The structure imposed tight geometrical constraints on both the cable-stayed back spans and the interchange itself. The architecture (by Mott MacDonald in collaboration with Yee Associates for the feasibility study) reflects Thai culture, forming the diamond-shaped configuration concrete pylons inspired by the pointed ceremonial hats of Thai dancers and temple roves.
The conjunction of these major challenges of building a megastructure called for careful consideration and implementation. Egis was commissioned to carry out detailed design and works supervision given our long-standing experience in major segmental bridge structures and geotechnical works in heavily congested urban settings.
From a project management point of view, implementation was successful also due to Egis’s proficiency in managing the interfaces of different stages of megaprojects and types of infrastructure. We proved our ability to harmonise various sorts of design and implementation codes and products for delivery.
The new ring road together with its bridges - named after the then reigning sovereign King Bhumibol Adulyadej - aim to reduce traffic congestion in the Bangkok industrial and port areas.
The new infrastructure improves transport and logistics flows for workers and commodities to and from the Port of Bangkok, which is the country’s main logistics crossroads and one of Southeast Asia’s most important international trading hubs.
