Bangkok’s Gesagomon Bridge in Dusit district has been closed for repairs following an embankment collapse that occurred late on Sunday night. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that the bridge would be closed for five days starting from Monday in order to address the issue.
The collapse of the embankment took place during construction work on the new embankments of the Prem Prachakorn Canal located under the bridge. Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the site on Monday morning to assess the situation. He urged motorists to avoid using Amnuay Songkhram Road, which leads to the collapse site, until the repairs are completed.
According to reports, the collapse happened around 9pm on Sunday, shortly after local residents noticed significant cracks on the road surface in the vicinity. Fortunately, no vehicles fell into the gaping hole that was created by the collapse. An official briefed the governor on the incident, explaining that the embankment initially sank and fractured a water main. Subsequently, water from the main eroded the foundation of the bridge embankment, leading to the collapse.
The closure of Gesagomon Bridge has caused inconvenience to commuters and residents in the area. Traffic diversions have been put in place to manage the situation and ensure public safety. The repair work is expected to be completed within the stipulated five-day period, barring any unforeseen complications.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of infrastructure to prevent such occurrences in the future. Authorities are working diligently to address the issue and restore normalcy to the affected area. Meanwhile, motorists are advised to follow the designated detour routes and exercise caution while navigating through the area.
Infrastructure failures like the embankment collapse at Gesagomon Bridge underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and reliability of critical structures. The incident highlights the challenges faced by urban areas in maintaining aging infrastructure and the importance of investing in upgrades and repairs to mitigate risks. By addressing these issues promptly and effectively, authorities can enhance the resilience of urban infrastructure and safeguard the well-being of the community.
