By Phuket News Property Editorial Team · March 29, 2026
Phuket’s long-awaited expressway project is now moving towards contractor bidding, marking a significant step forward in the island’s transport infrastructure development. As planning advances into procurement, attention is turning to how this major project could influence property demand, accessibility, and long-term development patterns across the island.
A major infrastructure project moves closer to reality
The Phuket expressway is being developed in two main phases. Phase 1 focuses on an elevated route linking Kathu and Patong, including a tunnel section, and spans just under four kilometres. Phase 2, which is considerably longer, remains in detailed planning and design stages, with land use and urban considerations still under review.
Authorities have positioned the project as a solution to long-standing traffic congestion while supporting Phuket’s economic and tourism growth. Although large infrastructure projects typically unfold over extended timelines, progress toward bidding often signals increased confidence in eventual delivery.
Accessibility and travel times as a property driver
One of the primary objectives of the expressway is to improve travel efficiency between key areas of the island. If successfully delivered, reduced travel times between Patong, Kathu, and central Phuket could reshape how residents and buyers perceive distance and convenience.
Improved accessibility has the potential to make certain residential areas more attractive for daily living, particularly for those who commute between work, schools, beaches, and healthcare facilities. Over time, neighbourhoods that benefit from smoother transport connections may see increased interest from both owner-occupiers and long-term residents.
Implications for tourism-related property
Phuket’s tourism sector remains closely linked to its property market. Enhanced road infrastructure can improve visitor movement across the island, supporting tourism activity beyond traditional hotspots.
For property owners, better connectivity may strengthen rental demand, particularly in locations that become easier to access while still offering a sense of separation from the island’s busiest areas. Improved transport efficiency can also benefit service providers and hospitality operators, indirectly supporting the broader property ecosystem.
Residential demand and long-term planning
Historically, improved infrastructure has tended to broaden residential demand rather than concentrate it. Areas previously considered less convenient may become more appealing as travel times shorten and accessibility improves.
That said, infrastructure projects of this scale should be viewed through a long-term lens. While the movement toward bidding represents progress, actual construction and completion will take time. Buyers and investors should distinguish between immediate market speculation and longer-term structural change.
Land use considerations and development patterns
Phase 2 of the expressway remains subject to ongoing planning, including careful evaluation of land use, environmental impact, and community considerations. The way authorities manage these factors will influence where future development occurs and how sustainably it unfolds.
Balanced infrastructure planning has the potential to support more measured growth, avoiding over-concentration while encouraging development aligned with zoning and environmental frameworks.
A forward-looking signal for the property market
While timelines remain extended, the advancement of the Phuket expressway project sends a clear signal that transport infrastructure remains a priority for the island’s future. For property buyers, developers, and long-term investors, monitoring infrastructure progress provides valuable insight into how accessibility and demand dynamics may evolve over the coming decade.
