“Box Girder”. Does that term spark your imagination? It should because it describes the unique structure of Saphan Phra Ram 3.
Saphan Phra Ram 3 stands before us. It is not just a bridge but a vital artery in Bangkok’s transportation network. It eases traffic flow. It connects people.
Saphan Phra Ram 3 facilitates travel over the Chao Phraya River. It links Thonburi to Bangkok. Saphan Phra Ram 3 assists people going from Ratchadaphisek Road to Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Road. It also aids access to Charoen Krung Road and Phra Rama III Road in Bang Kho Laem district.
Construction of Saphan Phra Ram 3 started November 29 1996. It opened to traffic October 21 1999. The official opening date was actually a bit later. It was on May 30 2000. Ed. Zublin Ag. Wayss & Freytag And Stecon Joint Venture built it. The project cost 411489540 baht. Funding also came from the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund OECF of Japan. They contributed 2481181265 yen.
Saphan Phra Ram 3 has six traffic lanes. Two more lanes run each way. The bridge’s highest point reaches 34 meters above the water. The navigation clearance below is 66 meters. The bridge’s central span stretches 226 meters. The side spans extend 125 meters each. The total bridge length is 3372 meters. Impressive.
The bridge’s construction included upgrades to Phra Rama III Road. This covered 300 meters from Charoen Krung Road. Saphan Phra Ram 3 helps alleviate pressure on the older Krungthep Bridge. This bridge is also known as Saphan Krung Thep.
Standing here you might not realize you are looking at one of Bangkok’s key pieces of infrastructure. Saphan Phra Ram 3 stands tall. It helps the city move.