“Stairway to heaven” in Nonthaburi
The Nonthaburi Highway Department decided to build a pedestrian bridge over a wide 10-lane thoroughfare. A contractor was hired to carry out this project for a budget price of 4,2 million Baht. No small matter because the pedestrian bridge will be 54 meters long.
A staircase was built on both sides of the street. On the one hand that was not a problem, but on the other hand a small difficulty arose. There was a concrete pole of the electricity company in the way. Good advice was expensive, but a clear mind at the contractor came up with the solution. An intermediate platform was planned around the pole with a recess for the pole. So, problem solved, see photo!
The photo was posted on Facebook and – luckily the average Thai isn't stupid – it generated a flood of comments: “Which part of the body did the creator use to come up with this idea? Has he considered that this construction might electrocute people? said one commenter.
But the criticism is not entirely fair, says a spokesman for the Nonthaburi Highway Department, Mr. Manas Singsangsa. He explains what happened: “Before construction started, we had a meeting with the electricity company (GEA) at the end of last year. The utility pole was supposed to be moved in time for the stairs to be built, but it just didn't happen. Due to contractual obligations, construction could no longer be postponed and this solution was chosen for the time being. The pole will be moved soon.”
Source: Thaivisa/Thairath
If it can't be done the way it should be, then it should be done the way it can.
A railing was probably not part of the design?
I don't see how you can attach a sturdy railing to that thin layer of concrete.
Given the thickness of the concrete, I fear that the reinforcing steel will also rust and cause the concrete to crack.
I'm afraid this pedestrian bridge will not last long.
And soon the pole will be moved?
When that bridge is finished, it will probably never happen again.