Thai-Belgian flyover back in full operation after blaze
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The Thai-Belgian flyover near Lumpini Park in Bangkok, which was partially closed for repairs after it was damaged by a blaze on February 28, will be fully open to traffic from 6am on Thursday.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) governor Pol General Aswin Kwanmuang inspected the bridge on Wednesday and said the structure was in good condition to resume traffic on both lanes from 6am Thursday – 22 days earlier than a previously set deadline.
A homeless man Samran Muangkhiew, or “Ake Lok Nueng” was arrested on March 23 for causing the fire by discarding a lit cigarette butt onto leaves near bins stored under the bridge.
The 390-metre, four-lane bridge was once part of a removable iron bridge called the Leopold II viaduct that Belgium built for the 1985 Expo.
In 1986, as Thailand suffered severe traffic jams, Belgium offered to donate the metal bridge’s parts so it could be reassembled and reinforced for use in Bangkok.
