Phra Pin-klao Bridge

The bridge is named after Pinklao, vice-king of Siam, 1851–1866. In the project phase, the bridge was referred to as the Tha Chang Wang Na Bridge (Thai: สะพานท่าช้างวังหน้า). In June 1973, it was renamed the Somdej Phra Pinklao Bridge in honour of Prince Pinklao.Special supplement of the Bangkok Post/World newspaper - September 24, 1973

The Chalerm Sawan 58 Bridge (Thai: สะพานเฉลิมสวรรค์ ๕๘) along two pedestrian bridges crossing the northern part of Khlong Khu Mueang Doem (Thai:  คลองคูเมืองเดิม) had to be dismantled to make way for the new bridge and its access road.{{Cite book|title=Old Bridges of Bangkok|last=Narumit|first=Sirichai|publisher=The Siam Society|year=1977|isbn=|location=Bangkok, Thailand|pages=68–69|quote=|via=}}

Construction of the bridge started on 4 August 1971. It was opened to traffic on 24 September 1973 by Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn. The bridge was built by the joint company Obayashi Gumi Ltd. and Sumitomo Construction Co. Ltd under the supervision of Swiss Engineering Project (SEP) which acted as trustee for the [https://www.dpt.go.th/en/ Department of Public and Municipal Works] (DPMW).Special supplement of The Nation newspaper - September 24, 1973, p. 12.

The main drivers behind the construction of the bridge were:{{Cite web|url=http://open_jicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10014710.pdf|title=Kingdom of Thailand; Feasibility report on Bangkok-Thonburi Bridge No. 1 Project|date=|website=|publisher=Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency|access-date=20 December 2016}}

• To alleviate the traffic congestion over and around the Memorial Bridge and to shorten travel time and cut costs
• To foster inter-city relations between Bangkok and Thonburi
• To facilitate the development in the vicinity of the bridge

The Sa-nga Phanit Co., Ltd. (Thai: บริษัท สง่าพานิช จำกัด) was the main contractor for the Phan Phiphop Lila Bridge (Thai: สะพานผ่านพิภพลีลา) extension over Khlong Khu Mueang Doem (Thai: คลองคูเมืองเดิม){{ref label|reference_name_a|a|a}} to match the new bridge system at a cost of 6,880,000 baht.

It is feared that the heavy traffic crossing Pinklao Bridge could cause structural damage to the old buildings on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.{{Cite news|url=http://www.pressreader.com/thailand/bangkok-post/20100819/281599531803704|title=Residents seek dismantling of bridge|last=Wanchareon|first=Supoj|date=19 August 2010|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=20 December 2016}} Some residents expressed their desire in 2010 to have the bridge dismantled mainly due to the air and noise pollution it brings to the old district of Bangkok. The Cheonggyecheon project in Seoul is given as an example of the positive effects the dismantlement could have.

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{{note label|reference_name_a|a|a}} The northern part of "Khlong Khu Mueang Doem" was formerly known as "Khlong Rongmai" ({{lang|th|คลองโรงไหม}}). "Khlong Khu Mueang Doem" is also called popularly "Khlong Lord" ({{lang|th|คลองหลอด}}).

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{{Reflist}}

• {{Structurae|id=20022448|title=Phra Pin Klao Bridge}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh85ML2_4sk YouTube video of Thanom Kittikachorn inspecting the construction of the Phra Pinklao Bridge in 1972]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OShRNVdcoZk YouTube video of the construction of the Phra Pinklao Bridge in 1973]

{{Chao Phraya River bridges}}

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Category:Road bridges in Bangkok

Category:Bridges completed in 1973

Category:Crossings of the Chao Phraya River

Category:Unregistered ancient monuments in Bangkok

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