Rama 2 Road construction delayed until 2027

Construction on Rama 2 Road has been delayed again, with completion now expected in mid-2027 after the Ministry of Transport cited rising fuel and construction material costs.

The latest extension adds to decades of disruption along one of Thailand’s busiest routes, where prolonged construction and a series of fatal accidents have affected motorists and local communities for more than 50 years. The road has long been referred to by locals as “Thanon Jed Shua Khot”, or the “seven-generation road”, reflecting the length of time projects along the route have remained unfinished.

Authorities say progress is being made on the Motorway M82 project, which is seen as central to easing congestion on Rama 2 Road. The elevated section between Bang Khun Thian and Ban Phaeo, covering the Ekachai–Ban Phaeo stretch, is now approximately 95% complete.

Work is currently focused on installing the remaining structural components. Officials expect the main civil works to be completed by August 2026, allowing continuous traffic flow from Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaeo for the first time. Entrance and exit ramps are scheduled for completion between September and October.

The 24.6-kilometre motorway is divided into two sections. The first section, from Bang Khun Thian to Ekachai, has already been completed. The second section, from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo, spans 16.4 kilometres and consists of ten construction contracts. As of March 2026, overall progress stood at 95.786%, slightly behind schedule.

According to Piyapong Jivattanakulpaisan, work is being accelerated on the remaining four contracts along this stretch. Some sections, including Contract 7, which involves a bridge over the Tha Chin River, are among the most technically complex parts of the project.

The project had originally been scheduled for completion in April 2026 but was delayed by around three months following a crane collapse on 15 January. Construction was temporarily halted to carry out safety inspections and review procedures before work resumed.

Further progress on Rama 2 Road will depend heavily on the development of the Bang Khun Thian interchange, part of the Rama 3-Dao Khanong expressway project. In that project’s first contract, around 21 bridge pier spans still need to be installed. Delays are also possible in Contract 3 following a previous beam collapse, although that section is not located directly along Rama 2 Road.

The ongoing works continue to have a direct impact on travel between Bangkok and the coastal destinations of Hua Hin and Cha-am, particularly during weekends and public holidays when traffic volumes are highest. Motorists frequently face extended journey times, lane reductions, and congestion along key sections of the route, which remains the primary road link connecting the capital with the upper southern provinces. The uncertainty caused by construction schedules and traffic management measures has also affected tourism and regular commuting patterns along the corridor.

To manage traffic flow, all lanes were briefly reopened during the Songkran holiday. However, from 21 April, daytime lane closures have resumed at kilometre markers 26 and 30+500 between 05:00 and 20:00 to allow for the installation of elevated structures. Authorities aim to restore the main carriageway surface before the new school term begins in mid-May.

Despite nearing completion in key sections, the extended timeline to 2027 means motorists are likely to face continued disruption on Rama 2 Road.