The Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) on Monday began public hearings on four possible routes for the proposed bridge from the mainland to Trat's popular Koh Chang island.
The first hearing was in Muang district of Trat, and participants supported the project.
They wanted travellers using the bridge to be guided through Muang district, to help support the economic development of the business centre of the eastern province.
They also asked that the bridge toll be lower than the ferry fares, should include lanes for motorcycles and bicycles and have viewpoints on both ends.
Exat said the bridge would benefit both visitors and Koh Chang residents, who would have easier access to schools and hospitals on the mainland.
The four bridge options involved three possible locations on the mainland in Trat and four on the island - three in Ban Dan Mai and one in Ban Khlong Son.
The first two options would both start in Ban Nong Prue village of Laem Ngop district.
One would be 9.82 kilometres long, the second would be 9.95km long and both would reach the island in Ban Dan Mai.
The third, 5.90km long, would start in Ban Thammachat Lang of Laem Ngop district and reach the island in Ban Dan Mai
The fourth route, 5.59km long, would start in Ban Thammachat Lang and reach the island in Ban Khlong Son.
The four bridge options would all be elevated and high enough for ships to pass underneath, and land on the island in less populated locations.
Construction of the new bridge is planned to begin in 2029, with the opening in 2033.
