Surat thani: The Department of Highways has fully opened Highway No. 41 Chaiya-Ban Na Derm in Surat Thani, completing the project six months ahead of schedule and earning the “Outstanding Construction Project of the Year 2025” award.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways, announced the completion of this significant infrastructure project, which aligns with the integrated transport and logistics development plan designed to enhance the efficiency of the nation’s main highway services.
Highway No. 41, known as the Si Yaek Pathomphon – Phatthalung route, serves as a vital economic artery, facilitating transportation from the Central region to the lower South. It is a primary route for goods and agricultural products, characterized by high traffic volume and numerous large trucks. The renovation and improvement of this highway were urgently needed to ensure user safety, reduce accidents, and alleviate public hardship. The project features a 32-cm-thick Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement (JPCP) surface, recognized for its efficiency, durability, and low maintenance cost. Covering approximately 41.5 kilometers between the Chaiya and Ban Na Doem districts, the project had a total budget of 1,857,962,000 baht and was divided into three contracts to ensure efficient management and expedited completion.
The successful completion of Section 3 of Highway No. 41 (Chaiya – Ban Na Doem) six months ahead of schedule highlights the project’s efficiency. The Construction Evaluation Committee of the Department of Highways’ Office of Standards and Evaluation has awarded the “Outstanding Construction Project Award 2025” to this project, recognizing its management excellence and use of modern technology.
The project was managed collaboratively by the 1st Highway Construction Office, under the leadership of Mr. Wanit Sangkhao, the Surat Thani Highway District 1 supervising officer, and the contractor, Pyramid Concrete Co., Ltd. The use of a Concrete Slip Form Paver ensured high-quality construction and timely completion. Community planning and communication were prioritized to minimize impacts on traffic and local residents’ livelihoods.
The completion and opening of the highway deliver tangible benefits to residents, offering a smooth, standardized road surface and comprehensive safety features. This enhances travel safety, reduces time and costs, and supports faster, more convenient travel. These improvements are expected to drive sustainable economic growth in the southern region and enhance the efficiency of freight transport and tourism.
The Department of Highways intends for this project’s success to serve as a model for future infrastructure initiatives. The public can contact the Department of Highways’ hotline at 1586 for inquiries about traffic routes, reporting incidents, or filing complaints, available toll-free on all networks, 24 hours a day.