Traffic changes for That Luang Festival
Vehicles from the Phonthan area will not be allowed to use the road running from Lao-ITECC to That Luang from today until Monday during the That Luang festival.
This road in front of Lao-ITECC will be closed to traffic and vehicles coming from Phonthan will not be able to use it to get to That Luang.
Deputy Director of the Traffic Police and Fire Fighting Division, Police Major Yudtaphong Souvannasing, said the plan was made in a bid to prevent traffic jams and accidents.
The road from Phonthan to Lao-ITECC would not be open for traffic towards That Luang.
However, vehicles will be allowed to proceed along the road from That Luang towards Lao-ITECC, to reduce traffic congestion in the area around the stupa.
“From today, many vehicles will be going in the direction of the festival,” Major Yudtaphong said.
“To prevent traffic jams, we will not allow vehicles to go from Lao-ITECC and the Phonthan area during peak times.”
Vehicles will be able to pass in both directions outside of peak times, however.
“We are now readying police to work at stations along the target routes to help solve traffic problems.
“However, we’re having a few problems because some roads are still being upgraded or repaired, which means it will be hard work for us to prevent traffic jams,” he said.
Vehicles coming from the north are requested to park near the Patuxay Monument, while Nongbon Road will be reserved for pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Vehicles from the south can park at Viengchaleun and the transport station behind That Luang stupa.
Vehicles can pass from Viengchaleun through to Lao-ITECC, he said.
Traffic coming from the east can park along the road from Phonxay to Sisangvone.
Vehicles transporting officials and guests that display a “P” sign will be allowed to park at the National Assembly.
“But there will be fewer spaces at the National Assembly this year because the trade fair has been extended to this area. I hope our police will work rigorously to help reduce the traffic problems during the festival,” Major Yudtaphong said.
The trade fair takes place at two venues. The That Luang esplanade accommodates 1,411 booths from October 28 to November 2, while Lao-ITECC with 778 booths is open from October 24 to November 2.
The trade fair is a lively part of the festival, bringing together a wide range of vendors showing domestic products, as devotees come from all over the country to worship at the grand stupa.
By Panyasith Thammavongsa
October 30, 2009
Vientiane Times
