M6 to open over New Year holiday - Bangkok Post
(Photo: Department of Highways) The Transport Ministry will open the entire 196-kilometre Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima motorway (M6) free of charge from Dec 25 to ease congestion during the New Year holiday, said Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
Mr Phiphat said on Thursday that the motorway would operate around the clock during its trial period, helping divert traffic from Phahon Yothin and Mittraphap roads, the main routes to the Northeast.
Civil works on the M6 are 99.81% complete, while installation of operating systems has reached 96.42%. Full operations and toll collection are scheduled to begin in April 2027.
The ministry is also accelerating two other major road projects to improve traffic flow during the holiday period.
The 24.7-kilometre M82 motorway between Rama II Road and Ban Phaeo is already open for free trial use around the clock.
However, congestion persists at the Ban Phaeo exit, where three elevated lanes merge into one. Mr Phiphat has instructed the Department of Highways (DoH) to expedite plans to widen the exit to two lanes.
Meanwhile, the 18.7-kilometre Rama III–Dao Khanong–Outer Ring Road Expressway is 97.28% complete, with its elevated section above Rama II Road scheduled for trial opening in December.
The outbound connection linking Thotsamarachan Bridge, M82 and Ban Phaeo is targeted for opening by mid-2027.
Separately, deputy government spokeswoman Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan said the M6 exit connecting to the western section of M9 towards Bang Bua Thong, near Bang Pa-in 2 Interchange, would close from Nov 6 until March 31, 2027, for construction of connecting ramps and access roads.
Motorists travelling from Nakhon Ratchasima towards Bang Bua Thong must instead use Phahon Yothin Road or connect via eastern M9.
Traffic in the opposite direction, from western M9 onto M6, will remain unaffected.
During construction, M9 traffic will be diverted onto parallel Highways 3901 and 3902, each expanded to three lanes per direction.
The DoH will confirm the closure arrangements and diversion details before implementation.
Mr Phiphat instructed agencies to inspect road conditions, safety systems and signage ahead of the holiday travel period, while urging motorists to plan their journeys and follow traffic instructions.
