Last Updated on October 5, 2026 by Jeff Tomas
CHIANG RAI – Drivers in Chiang Rai can finally breathe a sigh of relief as a major road hazard is fixed. The Department of Highways has officially opened a brand-new underpass on Highway 1152 in Chiang Rai.
This much-needed project targets a notorious accident hotspot located in the Wiang Chai district. Local transport officials promise the upgrades will make daily travel significantly safer for everyone in the area.
For many years, the road stretch near kilometer 18 in Don Sila caused severe headaches for drivers. The area featured a highly dangerous junction positioned directly on a sharp, unpredictable curve. Uneven road levels created dangerous blind spots, which frequently resulted in serious traffic accidents. Now, an investment of nearly 25 million baht aims to eliminate these tragic collisions for good.
Key Takeaways
- Safer travel: A new underpass and frontage road now replace a dangerous blind curve on Highway 1152.
- Smart investment: The government spent roughly 24.9 million baht to separate local traffic and improve community drainage.
- Vital trade link: The road upgrade ensures smoother, safer freight transport traveling to neighboring Laos.
Fixing a Fatal Blind Spot in Wiang Chai
The Chiang Rai Highway District 1 led this vital safety project to protect local commuters. They knew a simple traffic light would not solve the complex visibility issues at this curve. Instead, engineers designed a dedicated underpass specifically for cars and motorcycles to use. This clever design safely separates local village drivers from the fast-moving highway traffic above.
Alongside the new underpass, construction crews also built a dedicated community frontage road. This side road helps organize traffic moving in and out of the nearby residential areas. Furthermore, the project includes a modern drainage system built right into the road infrastructure. This vital addition ensures the underpass stays completely dry and safe during the heavy rainy season.
Boosting Strategic Trade Routes to Laos
Highway 1152 is much more than just a quiet local road for the province. It serves as a vital strategic route connecting directly to Route 1421 and Route 1020. Freight trucks use these roads daily to transport essential goods toward the border. Most of this cargo crosses the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in the Chiang Khong district.
Because of this booming cross-border trade, the highway sees very heavy traffic all year round. The new safety upgrades will protect both local families and long-haul truck drivers sharing the route. Officials urge the public to report any future road issues to the Department of Highways immediately. You can reach their dedicated support team by calling the 1586 hotline anytime, day or night.
