Don Mueang off-ramp closed for repairs

The banner over the ramp leading to Don Mueang airport terminals warns that the only direct exit will be closed from Monday, July 31 until Wednesday, Aug 2. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)

Travellers have been told to allow for at least three hours if they're going from downtown Bangkok to Don Mueang airport by road as roadworks in the area get under way.

The Highways Department plans to rebuild a ramp connecting the airport with the adjacent Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. The work is part of a project to expand the outbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road opposite the airport.

The plan is to demolish the ramp and rebuild it so the entrance to the ramp will be located closer to the nearby rail track and away from the point of traffic congestion.

Once the ramp entrance has been moved, there will be space to construct a third lane on the road which will improve traffic flow.

The current ramp has been blamed for creating a bottleneck and causing traffic congestion.

A ramp connecting Don Mueang airport with the adjacent Vibhavadi Rangsit Road is closed on Monday. (Video by Thiti Wannamontha)

Don Mueang airport's public relations division said the department will close the ramp for three days starting from Monday to assess how the closure will affect traffic in the area.

The department is holding a public hearing on the ramp rebuilding plan at the Highways 11 Office in Dong Mueang district on Aug 8.

The airport has advised travellers going to Don Mueang airport to set aside at least three hours as the ramp closure will likely hold up traffic on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

During the closure, motorists heading to the airport from downtown Bangkok should take the U-turn near the air force base on the road and enter the airport through either entrances 3 or 4.

Those arriving at the airport from the tollway can use the exit near the cargo warehouse which connects to the airport via an alternative ramp.