Nakhon phanom: The Department of Highways has announced that the Mekong Riverside Road project in Nakhawithi has reached a completion level of 16%.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) is overseeing the development of the road, which connects the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (No. 2) to Phra That Phanom, spanning Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom Provinces. The project is making steady progress with an anticipated completion date set for 2027.
Mr. Montri Dechasakulsom, the Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, provided details on the ongoing construction efforts. The road, once finished, will extend for 43.485 kilometers and is expected to bolster tourism, enhance international trade, and improve transportation links between Thailand and its neighboring countries. The initiative aims to transform the route into a sustainable tourist attraction, highlighting the scenic beauty of the Mekong River and fostering economic growth in Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom Provinces.
The DRR is focusing on constructing and upgrading rural roads Mah.3003, Mah.3015, and Nop.3015, all designed as reinforced concrete roads. The new roads will feature a 6-meter-wide surface and variable-width shoulders, along with necessary drainage systems for community areas. Additionally, the project includes the expansion of eleven bridges and the development of rest stops and scenic viewpoints along the route. The total investment for the project is 615 million baht, with work commencing near the Mukdahan Provincial Governor's Residence and concluding near Phra That Phanom.
In a creative effort to accentuate local identity and cultural heritage, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has designed a "Nakawithi" tourist road sign. The sign prominently features the Naga, a symbol of the Mekong River's abundance and cultural significance to the Isan people. Reflecting natural tones, the design also incorporates imagery of Naga fireballs and a full moon, resonating with the region's beliefs and traditions.