Bangkok: The decades-long development of Rama 2 Road is set to reach its conclusion in August 2026, marking the end of a project that has spanned seven generations. This completion will pave the way for free travel on the M82 Motorway shortly thereafter, as announced by Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways (DOH).
According to Thai News Agency, the M82 motorway, a 25-kilometer stretch from Bang Khun Thian to Ekachai and Ban Phaeo, is nearing completion, with construction currently at 98%. The remaining work is being expedited to ensure the motorway's official opening in August. Initially, the DOH will permit free travel on the motorway for two years until the Operation and Maintenance (OandM) system is fully installed.
The OandM system, which requires an investment of 1,037 million baht, is currently undergoing evaluation of private sector proposals under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract. The contract signing is anticipated by the end of 2026, with the installation period slated for 2027-2028. Full operation and toll collection are expected to commence in 2029, with the route offering a seamless connection to the Expressway Authority of Thailand's (EXAT) Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Outer Ring Road expressway project.
Kritsana Pensomboon, Director of the Intercity Expressway Division, indicated that the M82 motorway is scheduled for opening on either August 21st or 28th. However, initial operations may see some on-ramps and off-ramps not fully operational due to ongoing construction. Once opened, the motorway is expected to significantly ease travel to the south and alleviate traffic congestion on Rama II Road.
The toll system will be entirely barrier-free, utilizing a 100% M-Flow system with charges based on distance. For 4-wheel vehicles, the initial fee will be 10 baht, with an additional 2 baht per kilometer. For 6-wheel vehicles, the fee starts at 16 baht, with an additional 3.20 baht per kilometer. Vehicles with more than six wheels will pay an initial fee of 23 baht, plus 4.60 baht per kilometer. Toll fees will be adjusted every five years at a rate of 2.5% per year.
The motorway's route begins at the intersection with the Rama III-Dao Khanong-Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road expressway at kilometer 9 of Rama II Road, near the Bang Khun Thian interchange. It features a 6-lane elevated road built on the median of Rama II Road, ending in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon Province. The route includes six toll plazas: Phanthai Norasingh, Mahachai 1, Mahachai 2, Samut Sakhon 1, Samut Sakhon 2, and Ban Phaeo.
Construction of the project is divided into two phases. Phase 1, covering the section from Bang Khun Thian to Ekachai, has a budget of 10.5 billion baht divided into three contracts. Phase 2, from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo, will be funded by the motorway toll fee fund, with a budget of 18.759 billion baht divided into ten contracts.
The Rama 3 Expressway is also on track to open at the end of the year. This 18.7-kilometer expressway, with a budget of 31,244 million baht, is managed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) and has been divided into four civil works contracts and one for the toll collection and traffic control system.
Currently, construction progress on the Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Bangkok Ring Road expressway stands at over 94.83%. EXAT plans to offer free trial runs by the end of 2026, with full toll collection to begin by mid-2027. The toll system will also use the M-Flow technology to ensure seamless connectivity and help reduce congestion on Expressway 1 and Rama II Road.
The Rama 3 Expressway starts at the Bang Khun Thian interchange, linking with the Department of Highways' M82 expressway. It will be a 6-lane elevated expressway built atop Rama II Road, extending to Rama III Road near the Bang Khlo interchange, where it connects with the First and Second Expressways. A new 8-lane bridge will be constructed across the Chao Phraya River, running parallel to the existing Rama IX Bridge.