One down, three to go
Three more huge drainage tunnels will be built over the next five years to provide a longterm solution to flood problems, Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday.
Sukhumbhand announced the news while presiding over an opening ceremony for the Rama 9 Ramkhamhaeng tunnel. It is one of four tunnels being built for a total cost of Bt16 billion.
Other tunnels would be the 6.5km RatchadaphisekSutthisarn tunnel; a 13.5km Don Muang tunnel; and a 9.5km Suan Luang Rama 9 tunnel. Work on the Ratchada tunnel will start later this year, while construction of the latter two will start next year.
It has taken 10 years to build the Rama 9 to Ramkhamhaeng drainage tunnel, which is the country’s largest (with a 5m radius) and longest drainage (5km long) tunnel. Lying 2730 metres under the ground, is now open for use.
The tunnel will drain water from Lat Phrao and Saen Saeb canals directly to the Chao Phraya River at 60 cubic metres per second. It will alleviate flooding in 50 sq km of the city, covering Lat Phrao, Wang Thong Lang, Bang Kapi, Huay Kwang, Buang Kum and Saphan Sung districts.
Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/One-down-three-to-go-30148750.html
