Eleven toll-free roads and expressways in Thailand will remain available until midnight tomorrow, September 29, as flooding continues to disrupt travel in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
The Department of Highways (DOH) announced on Sunday, September 27, that toll waivers on Intercity Motorway No. 7 (M7) and Intercity Motorway No. 9 (M9) would be extended for another two days. The exemptions had originally been due to end at midnight that day.
Don Muang Tollway (DMT) Public Company Limited also extended free access to the Uttaraphimuk Elevated Tollway, commonly known as the Don Muang Tollway, until midnight on September 29.
The measures are intended to give motorists alternative routes around flooded roads, distribute traffic across the network and reduce disruption while standing water continues to affect several areas.
The toll waiver is broader than the three routes covered by the DOH and DMT. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has separately extended free access on eight expressways until the same deadline.
The eight routes are:
- The Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway
- Si Rat Expressway
- Chalong Rat Expressway
- Burapha Withi Expressway
- Udon Ratthaya Expressway
- Bang Na-At Narong Expressway (S1)
- Kanchanaphisek Expressway between Bang Phli and Suksawat
- Prachim Ratthaya Expressway
Together with M7, M9 and the Don Muang Tollway, the measures leave 11 major routes without toll charges through tomorrow night.
The waivers come as widespread flooding continues to affect Bangkok and nearby provinces. All 50 districts of the capital have been declared flood disaster zones, while waterlogged roads have disrupted commuting and other transport services.
Motorists using the toll-free roads have still been advised to check conditions before travelling, as entrances, exits and connecting roads may remain affected by high water.
The Department of Highways urged drivers to avoid heavily flooded areas. Road condition information is available around the clock through the Department of Highways hotline on 1586, which is free from all networks.
The story Thailand toll-free roads extended until September 29 as seen on Thaiger News.
