Bhumibol Bridge in Samut Prakan

H.M. The King has granted the name Bhumibol 1 to the northern bridge across the Chao Phraya River linking Bangkok and Samut Prakan, and the name Bhumibol 2 to the southern bridge that links Phra Pradaeng City and Samrong Tai Sub-district. The two bridges are part of the Industrial Ring Road that connect Rama III Road to Poochao Samingphrai Road and Suksawat Road. The mega bridge crosses the river twice and has two cable stayed spans of 702 meters and 582 meters. It is supported by two diamond-shaped pylons 173 meters and 164 meters high. In the middle there is an interchange taking traffic to and from Suksawat Road in Phra Pradaeng.

We took these pictures on 9th September 2006 during the official opening ceremony. Traffic started using the bridge shortly afterwards. Bridges across the river in Bangkok are normally named after the Royal Family. It was originally believed that it was going to be called Dipangkorn Rasmijoti after the fifth son of the Crown Prince. However, the Department of Rural Roads chief Wichan Khunakulsawat made the official announcement on Wednesday that it would be named after King Rama IX. The other bridge in Samut Prakan, part of the Outer Ring Road, is called Kanchanapisek Bridge. However, it is not known whether this is a temporary name or not.