M82 motorway tests speed limits from October 22nd!

M82 motorway tests speed limits from October 22nd!

The Thai Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Engineers Association of Thailand (VST), has made final preparations for the new M82 highway between Bang Khun Thian and Ekachai. According to LINE Today, the trial use of this important artery, scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. on October 22, 2025, shows promising progress. A joint inspection of the project took place on October 20th to confirm compliance with safety standards.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn reported, comprehensive road safety measures have been adopted at the construction site. This includes the installation of prohibition signs for motorcycles, the speed limit of 80 km/h for cars and 65 km/h for trucks, as well as the creation of informative clips on the use of entrances and exits, which will be distributed via various media. This information is crucial as traffic on the adjacent Rama 2 Road numbers approximately 250,000 vehicles daily, highlighting the need for clear announcements.

Safety information

The safety measures also include the installation of lighting systems and speed limit signs before test use. Special attention will be given to the Panta Hin Narsingh traffic junction at kilometer 16. Close cooperation with the traffic police will also be sought to ensure compliance with traffic rules, especially in the first few days after the opening.

The public is urged to strictly adhere to the new speed limits during the testing period. In case of accidents or further questions, the Ministry of Transport hotline is available on 1586. These measures are intended not only to increase safety during the test phase, but also to improve road safety in Thailand in the long term.

Road safety in Thailand

Despite progress on new highway projects, road safety remains a key concern in Thailand. According to the Asian Transport Observatory, the country's road traffic mortality rate is significantly higher than the regional average. There were an estimated 18,000 road deaths in 2021, accounting for 3.5% of all deaths in Thailand.

Investments to improve road safety could save up to 6,000 lives with approximately $632 million invested annually in the area. Despite this, analysis shows that only 19% of road infrastructure for pedestrians and 10% for cyclists receives an adequate safety rating. This underlines the urgency of increasing safety standards in transport.

In summary, the opening of the M82 motorway is an important step in Thailand's transport planning. Continued efforts to improve road safety are necessary in order to reduce the high number of accidents and their dramatic consequences. The preparations for the test use show that the Ministry of Transport is ready to have a good hand in increasing safety for all road users.

For more information on the latest developments and safety measures on Thai roads, readers can follow coverage on Daily News.