Infrastructure matters to property markets in ways that are not always obvious. A new villa launch gets attention. A traffic management upgrade usually does not. But when Phuket installs automated licence plate recognition cameras, remote power monitoring and internet-connected traffic signs across its underpass network, the underlying message is about long-term investment in access, safety and capacity.
The Phuket Highways Office has extended overnight closures at three major underpasses through June 14 as work continues on what officials describe as a Smart City Remote Control and Monitoring Centre. The Bang Khu, Samkong and Darasamut underpasses will remain closed from 8pm to 6am while crews remove old lighting, install new electrical systems and fit automated monitoring technology.
The Darasamut and Samkong works were originally scheduled to finish by May 31. The extension suggests the upgrades involve more than a simple equipment swap.
What the Smart City system includes
The project covers five underpasses in total. Work at the Phuket Airport Underpass has already been completed. The Bang Khu, Samkong and Darasamut underpasses are currently being upgraded. The Chalong Underpass is also part of the programme.
According to the Phuket Highways Office, the installations include:
- Removal of ageing lighting systems and installation of new electrical infrastructure.
- Remote power outage notification technology.
- Automatic licence plate recognition cameras.
- Internet-connected variable message systems for traffic signs.
The aim is to create a centralised system that can monitor traffic flow, detect incidents, manage signage remotely and respond to power failures without waiting for manual reports.
Why infrastructure upgrades connect to property demand
For Phuket property buyers, infrastructure quality is not a headline feature but it shapes practical use. Travel time, congestion, safety and connectivity affect whether a villa in Cherngtalay feels convenient or isolated, whether a Chalong townhouse offers easy airport access, whether a rental property in Kathu appeals to tenants who need reliable routes.
Automated monitoring and variable messaging systems are designed to improve traffic flow during incidents, reduce response time when problems occur and provide real-time information to drivers. In a market where foreign buyers often judge livability by how smoothly daily logistics work, those details matter.
The investment also signals that local authorities are taking long-term transport capacity seriously. Phuket’s underpass network was built to handle seasonal demand. The Smart City upgrades suggest a shift toward managing year-round traffic, monitoring congestion patterns and improving safety as the island’s resident and visitor numbers continue to grow.
What remains in progress
The extended timeline at Darasamut and Samkong indicates the work is taking longer than initially projected. The Phuket Highways Office has not stated whether further extensions are expected.
Motorists are advised to avoid the affected underpasses during closure hours and use alternative routes. The closures run from 8pm to 6am, meaning they affect late evening and early morning travel but leave daytime routes open.
Senior Civil Engineer Sanakorn Thabthimthongsuk is overseeing the project. The Phuket Highway District Office can be reached at 076-212179 during office hours. Highway-related issues can also be reported via the Department of Highways 24-hour hotline on 1586.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phuket’s Smart City underpass project?
The project involves installing automated licence plate recognition cameras, remote monitoring systems and internet-connected traffic signs across five major underpasses in Phuket. The aim is to create a centralised control and monitoring centre that can manage traffic flow, detect incidents and respond to power failures more efficiently.
Which underpasses are currently closed?
The Bang Khu, Samkong and Darasamut underpasses are closed nightly from 8pm to 6am through June 14. The Phuket Airport Underpass has already been upgraded. The Chalong Underpass is also included in the programme but no closure dates have been confirmed yet.
Why does infrastructure matter for property buyers?
Infrastructure quality affects travel time, congestion, safety and connectivity. For buyers and tenants, these factors shape how convenient a location feels in daily use. Improved traffic management and monitoring systems can make properties in outer areas more accessible and reduce the friction of living in high-demand zones.
Will the closures be extended further?
The Phuket Highways Office has not stated whether further extensions are expected. The current deadline is June 14. The Darasamut and Samkong works were already extended from the original May 31 completion date, suggesting the installations are taking longer than first projected.
Sources
- The Phuket News — Underpass upgrades extended, overnight closures continue — link
