Bangkok: Progress on the demolition of the damaged Rama II Bridge is proceeding in accordance with engineering principles, following the collapse of the M82 crane. The Department of Highways has reported that preparations for the demolition are underway under the supervision of experts from the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT), with strict safety measures in place to minimize disruption to road users. Concrete pouring for one section of the cantilever bridge across the Tha Chin River has been completed. An investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing to ensure adherence to contract and project guidelines.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Piyapong Chiwatnakulpaisan, the Director-General of the Department of Highways, stated that after the LG crane collapse on January 15, 2026, it became necessary to dismantle two sections of the prestressed concrete bridge deck due to structural damages. The bridge deck was punctured, and prestressed tendons were damaged, which compromised the integrity of the structure. The dismantling process, overseen by experts from EIT, will follow strict engineering procedures and safety measures. The LG crane will be moved to safely lift the damaged sections, which will be individually cut and lowered.
The Department of Highways has implemented a five-dimension plan to ensure safety, including securing construction areas, overhauling machinery safety systems, employing certified LG operators, introducing independent safety supervision, and maintaining open public relations for transparency. A meeting was held with EIT experts to assess the site and verify the demolition plan's accuracy before commencing work. As of January 31, 2026, two key phases have been completed: dismantling the left side LG and repositioning the second LG.
For the upcoming week, the engineering team plans to verify documentation for LG machinery movement, install a real-time structural health monitoring system, and conduct inspections to ensure machinery readiness for the demolition. Concrete pouring for the cantilever bridge sections across the Tha Chin River is on schedule, with work progressing to connect the remaining sections, allowing the removal of temporary scaffolding and opening of the main bridge section.
The fact-finding investigation into the LG crane collapse involves a committee of experts from various organizations, including the Department of Highways, Royal Thai Police, and EIT. The committee is collecting evidence and planning a forensic engineering investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Results will assess the contractor's adherence to design and construction standards and help determine liability.
The Department of Highways emphasizes public safety and pledges to proceed with transparency, caution, and legal compliance throughout the project.