Traffic jams have been reported on several main roads in Nakhon Ratchasima, the gateway to the Northeast, and nearby areas on Wednesday as many Songkran revellers began trips to their home provinces.
Traffic was very congested on Highway No.204, the bypass road in tambon Pru Yai of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Muang district, as motorists heading to Khon Kaen got stuck in the gridlock.
Vehicles began piling up along the Northeast-bound route, stretching over more than two kilometres from the elevated bridge to Pak Chai intersection on Wednesday as many travelling on Highway No.304 entered Mittraparb Road. This caused traffic bottle-necks on Mittraparb Road.
Pol Col Boonlert Wongwatchana, deputy Nakhon Ratchasima police chief, said Mittraparb Road saw a heavier traffic congestion this morning, particularly in Pak Chong and Sikiu districts, where a motorway was under construction.
Police had to open a 15km special traffic lane on Mittraparb Road from kilometre maker 73 in tambon Nong Sarai of Pak Chong district to the area in front of Khlong Pai prison to facilitate traffic flow on the road and nearby areas.
In Khon Kaen, a snarl-up was reported on upper Northeast-bound lanes from tambon Tha Phra to Muang district. Cars, buses and pickup trucks were moving at a snail’s pace. Traffic police were deployed to direct the traffic flow in the areas.
Chatchai Uncharoen, chief of Khon Kaen’s Muang district, on Wednesday led officials and police to open service spots along the route to facilitate Songkran revellers during the festival. Motorists could stop their vehicles at these spots.
In Prachuap Khiri Khan, traffic on South-bound roads was also heavy as Songkran revellers left home during the festival.
In Pran Buri district, the traffic volume was very high in this southern district as it links two main roads -- the bypass or Highway No.37 and Phetkasem Road -- to 14 southern provinces.
