Traffic in Nakhon Sawan is dense as people begin traveling back to Bangkok after the extended Songkran holiday. Highway police are preparing to open special lanes on the southbound side of Phahonyothin Road No. 1 to ease traffic and have urged the public to travel with caution.
On 15 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed the return travel atmosphere on roads in Nakhon Sawan Province after the Songkran festival ended. In the afternoon, traffic on Highway 117 from Nakhon Sawan to Phitsanulok became heavy but continued to move well without congestion, allowing vehicles to maintain normal speeds.
However, slowdowns were noted intermittently, especially between kilometers 9 and 37, where road construction has reduced the traffic lanes to just two, operating as a two-way single lane.
Meanwhile, Phahonyothin Road No. 1 in downtown Nakhon Sawan, particularly near the foot of Dechatiwong Bridge in Mueang District, also experienced heavy traffic, though not to the point of gridlock. Minor vehicle accumulation was seen at intersections, junctions, and traffic signals.
Traffic police have switched from automatic to manual traffic light control to prevent buildup and speed up vehicle flow heading toward Bangkok. Reports indicate vehicles from northern regions continue to pass through Nakhon Sawan steadily, with traffic expected to increase further into the evening.
At the same time, Nakhon Sawan highway police reported that some drivers are avoiding downtown routes by using Highway 11 from Khao Sai to In Buri in Nong Bua District, causing increased traffic volume on that alternative route as well.
Pol. Lt. Col. Wachira Amrit, Superintendent of Highway Police Station 4, Highway Police Division 1, Nakhon Sawan, stated that the section of Highway 117 from kilometer 9 to 37, about 28 kilometers, is under repair. This has reduced lanes to two, operating as a two-way road, which may increase accident risk and slow traffic.
He advised the public to exercise caution on this route or consider detouring from Pho Sai Ngam Intersection through Nong Tangoo, passing Charoen Phon Intersection, heading to Kao Liao Roundabout, and then onto the Nakhon Sawan bypass road for convenience and safety.
Initially, highway police have prepared to open special lanes on Phahonyothin Road No. 1 between kilometers 332 and 321 southbound, covering about 8 to 11 kilometers, to facilitate smoother traffic flow. These lanes will be opened as needed based on traffic volume at different times.
Authorities request cooperation from drivers to drive carefully, obey traffic laws, and allow extra travel time to ensure safety throughout their journey.