Vientiane Traffic Police Department confirmed yesterday that roads around this year’s boat racing festival will remain open with the exception of Chao Fa Ngum Road which is closed from the International Clinic junction to Pakpasak junction.
Vientiane Police Office Deputy Chief and Director of the Vientiane Traffic Police Department, Lieutenant Colonel Youttaphong Souvannasing told Vientiane Times yesterday that the roads will not be closed around the festival precinct because the finishing line this year has been moved from the old location.
The finishing line will be set up around Khountatha village, Sikhottabong district so police will be concentrating on directing traffic around the festival. In particular, if Souphanouvong Road becomes congested police will direct vehicles to the T2 Road.
During the festival police will also focus their patrols along LuangPrabang, Samsenthai and Setthathilath Roads.
Police are calling on motorists to strictly obey police officers’ instructions so vehicles travelling from the north to the festival can access parking areas set up by the festival committee along Souphanouvong Road.
Vehicles travelling from the south are allowed to park at the Department of Public Works and Transport and Phiavat School.
Mean while, vehicles travelling from 13 Road South are permitted to park at Chao Anouvong Stadium and National Culture Hall.
Motorists wishing to avoid the festival congestion downtown are advised to use the following Roads: Asean, Nongbeuk, Dongdok, 450, Khamphaengmeuang and Mittaphab. This will allow road users to access the 13 Road North, 13 Road South and Thadeua Road.
Traffic is forbidden from travelling on Chao FaNgum Road from the International Clinic junction to Pakpasak junction during the festival from October 14-17. Vehicles making deliveries for the festival will be allowed from 5-9am.
The police are calling on road users travelling to the festival to pay attention to traffic regulations and obey police officers’ instructions in order to minimise congestion and road accidents.
Police are also warning festival goers to take full precautions regarding their safety and security as well as being on the lookout for pickpockets and bag snatchers.
Source: Vientiane Times
