New Roundabout To Ease Traffic Flow At Hadxaifong Junction
Source: Vientiane Times
Vientiane authorities plan to build a roundabout at a busy junction in Hadxaifong district, where a road from Nonghai village meets Thadeua Road. The intersection is currently controlled by traffic lights, but city authorities believe motorists will be better served by a roundabout.
The junction is one of the first that people entering Vientiane encounter after crossing into Laos via the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and driving into the capital along Thadeua Road.
City authorities plan to turn this junction into a landmark by building a roundabout similar to the Donnoun roundabout in Xaythany district and creating a dramatic entrance on the main road to Vientiane.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport will start construction of the striking roundabout at the end of January, with the work expected to be complete by the end of June.
The Department is alerting motorists to the construction work and warning drivers to take care when passing through the area and reduce their speed.
The Mayor of Vientiane has recently ordered changes to traffic flow in certain areas of the city, including by the Mekong riverside, where Don Chan Road will now be permanently open to traffic. This is a change from the past, when the road was closed to traffic at 6pm every day.
The road will stay open throughout the day in an attempt to ease traffic congestion during the rush hour. Other changes are being made on roads in Chanthabouly district, as ordered by the Mayor, to reroute traffic in ways that reduce congestion and accidents, making travel through the city easier and safer for motorists.
Quai Fa Ngum Road between the Pakpasak junction and Thatkhao will become a one-way street instead of two-way as at present.
Sithan Road, between Setthathirath Road and the Pakpasak junction, and Khounboulom Road between the roundabout on the Mekong riverside to Samsenthai Road will also become one-way streets.
Chao Anou Road between Khounboulom and Quai Fa Ngum roads, and the Sihom road between Setthathirath and Samsenthai roads will also become one-way.
In addition, changes will be made to several alleyways and side roads to improve traffic flow. Authorities will install new traffic signs, especially on one-way streets, to indicate the changes.
Motorists should exercise caution when driving on roads near the Mekong River and pay attention to traffic signs so they familiarise themselves with the changes and comply with one-way street signs to avoid accidents.
