The Attitude of Residents Surrounding the Route towards Expressway Line A in Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the attitude of residents living along the
first propriety route according to the feasibility study project focusing on
engineering, economy, finance, and environmental impact in order to propose
a master plan of expressway in Khon Kaen Province. The main objective
of the project is to develop expressway project in Khon Kaen municipal
area under authorization of the Expressway Authority of Thailand. The
population of this study is the residents living in the radius of 20500 meters
from the first propriety route. The questionnaire is used as research tool
with total 200 samples that paid attention to the recognition of information
using NonProbability Sampling technique and Convenient Sampling,
Accidental Sampling methods. The result showed that all respondents had
recognized about the project. In terms of concern, it was found that 66 percent
of respondents were not concerned about the project while 34 percent of
respondents were concerned about noise, dust and particle, and accident
that may occur during construction. Moreover, the finding presented that the
majority of respondents was concerned about noise, dust and particle, and
vibration, respectively, particularly in construction phase. On the other hand,
majority of respondents were concerned about landscape, noise, dust and
particle, respectively, especially in operation phase. In terms of project
recognition, it was found that 75 percent of respondents agreed with project
as it would develop the urbanization and transportation system of Khon Kaen
Province. Nevertheless, the environmental effect on residents needs to be
restricted by employing environmental impact preventive and mitigation
measures in both construction and operation phases. In addition, the
environmental impact monitoring measures must be enforced to detect the
productivity of all measures. Also, residents themselves should be encouraged
to cooperate in public participation process and firmly complied with rules.