Chiang Khong to Chiang Saen Roadworks

[skeedary]

Anyone looking at a GT Ride be aware of the extensive roadworks going on for most of the Chiang Khong/Chiang Saen stretch. Not just sections but the whole highway is having a major upgrade. Luckily I had a fairly dry ride to negotiate but loose soil is over most of the pavement and would be treacherous in the wet.

 

[KTMphil]

Thanks for the info Gary. Is it the road that follows the Mekong River or R 1129 that cuts the corner?

 

[Lone Rider]

Happened to be there today and they have started paving a small part of the upgraded road (Rd. 1129) starting a bit west of Ban Kio Khan but the road is still far from ready. Checked also the new road which starts near the Chiang Saen Commercial Port (N20.23849 E100.13824) and ends up linking with Rd 1098. Not sure if they will improve Rd. 1098 as well as the new road is a 4 lane highway while Rd 1098 is a narrow 2 lane road.

The road starts from Rd 1129 T Rd. 1129 (at N20.22037 E100.13213) and links with Rd. 1098 at N20.14865 E100.03674

Looking from the east from Rd. 1129 at the new bridge construction over the Kok river

Looking to the east towards the bridge

From the bridge looking west

Highspeed race track quality 4 lane road

The link with Rd 1098

 

[Lone Rider]

On my way back from Chiangkhong to Chiangmai checked up on Rd 1129 and the new bridge over the Kok river. Basically the widening (partly now 4 lane road) of Rd 1129 is now ready and is now completely paved although here and there they are still are working on a bridge and a new short section where they are working on a shortcut/bypass at Ban Sobkok just east of the new Chiangsaen Harbor.

The new bridge (N20.21961 E100.12127) over the Kok River in the new 4 lane road (road number 1063) from Rd. 1129 to Rd 1098 is also open although they are still finalizing a few things

The new bridge

The view from the bridge to the south

Getting ready for the opening?