Drivers passing through Chiang Rai will need to adjust their routes starting tomorrow, as authorities shut down key U-turn points along one of the province's busiest corridors. The changes take effect on 20 September 2026, directly impacting travel to Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport and routes heading toward Phayao.
New traffic pattern at Khua Khae intersection
The Thailand Rural Roads Department and Thailand Highway Police will close the existing U-turn slots at Khua Khae intersection, where Highway 1 meets Rural Highway 1418 — the main access road to the airport. Both the westbound and eastbound U-turn points will close, affecting vehicles travelling toward Phayao and those heading to the airport.
In place of the closed slots, authorities are introducing a signal-controlled system. Drivers will now make U-turns only when the traffic light signals permission, a measure officials say will reduce collision risks and keep vehicles moving during ongoing construction.
Part of larger interchange construction
The traffic adjustment supports the construction of an underpass tunnel at the intersection, a project aimed at easing congestion and improving access to the airport. The tunnel project is scheduled for completion on 21 January 2029.
Separate but related, the Thailand Rural Roads Department is also constructing a connecting road project, Rural Highway 131, designed to link the Mae Kok River area near Wat Phra That Chom Sak to the western Chiang Rai bypass. That project, expected to finish in 2031, involves upgrades at several junctions along the route.
What drivers should do
Officials advise motorists to reduce speed when approaching the intersection and follow signage and officer instructions strictly. Drivers should also plan journeys in advance, allowing extra time as traffic may move more slowly during the adjustment period and construction phases.
The changes come as traffic volume in northern Thailand continues to rise, particularly along major arteries connecting Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phayao.
