Capital to deploy more police as traffic worsens
The Royal Thai Police have instructed traffic police across metropolitan Bangkok to help coordinate traffic flow to alleviate heavy traffic jams across the capital caused by the construction of the mass-transit system and heavy rains.
More downpours have been forecast for the next two days, which could cause more traffic delays across many areas of the city.
Downpours held up morning traffic for hours yesterday, which prompted national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda to deploy more traffic police during rush hours to help ease the congestion, according deputy police spokesman Kritsana Pattanacharoen.
Even more officers will be sent to particularly congested roads, such as Lat Phrao Road, where an electric train construction project is currently under way.
The congestion on Lat Phrao Road spilled over to nearby roads, which effectively brought traffic to a halt last Friday. Similar conditions were reported over the weekend, caused by downpours across the city.
Pol Col Kritsana said yesterday’s congestion was centred on the inbound lane on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, towards the Din Daeng toll gate. Several car accidents were reported on the road which reduced traffic to a standstill.
Other main roads impacted by congestion were Ratchadaphisek, Prasert Manukij and Phahon Yothin. Heavy traffic was also reported on the Rama VIII Bridge, which stretched all the way to Arun Amarin intersection.
Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the completion of the electric train project — expected in the next four or five years — will help ease traffic congestion across the city.
He added that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is working on a solution with related agencies to help mitigate congestion caused by several ongoing projects across the city.
The Highways Department has announced that a detour route along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road will be closed until next year to make way for the construction of floodwater ditches.
It has advised motorists heading out of Bangkok to take the tollway instead.