BANGKOK: Bangkok plans to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Chao Phraya River, connecting the historic districts of Songwat and Khlong San.
The project has an estimated budget of more than one billion baht (approximately US$29 million) and is scheduled for completion by 2030.
A primary goal is to boost green mobility by creating an interchange for the city's "wheel-rail-river" transport network, linking walkways to MRT train stations.
The bridge is intended to be a landmark that reduces the economic divide between the Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides of the city without requiring land expropriation.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has unveiled plans to construct a landmark pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Chao Phraya River, aiming to link the capital's historic districts of Songwat and Khlong San while expanding green transport options for residents and tourists alike.
Led by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the project carries an estimated construction budget exceeding one billion baht (approximately US$29 million) and is slated for completion by 2030.
As reported by Krungthep Turakij sustainability journalist Wirassanan Tuengtin, the footbridge is envisioned as a world-class urban landmark that will foster a sustainable pedestrian ecosystem and bridge the economic divide between the city's Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides.
Historically, crossing the Chao Phraya River has presented significant challenges for non-motorised commuters. Existing routes are dominated by heavy vehicular traffic, while ferry services operate within restricted hours, leaving pedestrians and cyclists with limited, and often unsafe, options.
The new structure aims to address these bottlenecks by functioning as an interchange for Bangkok's multi-modal "wheel-rail-river" transport network.
On the Phra Nakhon side, the bridge will connect footpaths to the vibrant Yaowarat (Chinatown) district and the MRT Silver Line at Wat Mangkon Station. On the Thonburi side, it will link directly with the MRT Southern Purple Line (Tao Poon–Rat Burana extension), which is currently under construction.
Governor Chadchart stressed that the project aligns with his administration's policy of developing people-centred infrastructure alongside major road networks.
"I want the city to have a landmark—a bridge across the Chao Phraya River specifically for pedestrians and cyclists, as there are already plenty of bridges for cars," Chadchart said. "This will create a context for the surrounding community economy and help reduce disparities between the Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides, which were often overlooked in the past."
According to technical details from the BMA's Department of Public Works, the 300-metre-long river span will be located between the existing Phra Pok Klao and Phra Chao Tak Sin Maharaj bridges.
The structure will have a width of between seven and 10 metres, anchored on the Phra Nakhon side at Sawasdee Pier on Songwat Road and extending across to Chiang Mai Road in Khlong San district. The overall network footprint will cover approximately one kilometre.
Crucially, project planners confirmed the development will proceed without additional land expropriation, minimising disruption to long-standing riverside communities. To support local trade, the design explores incorporating rooftop spaces on connecting buildings for community shops and street food vendors.
Preparatory work is already under way. Following a 25 million baht consultancy contract awarded to Chulalongkorn University's Academic Services Centre under contract SNY.2/2025, detailed designs and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are expected to conclude in late 2025. Physical construction is scheduled to begin in 2028 following final budget approvals.- The Nation/ANN
