The major highway between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai has been closed after a flash flood damaged the bypass between Kilometre markers 42-50 of the highway now under repair at five spots in Doi Saket district of the northern province of Chiang Mai, police reported.
Doi Saket police said the flash flood was caused by mountain run-off as a result of heavy downpours during the past two days caused by tropical storm “Bebinca.”
One cargo truck slid off the highway at one of the damaged spots.
The Highways Department has closed Highway 118 until a further after the water has receded and the bypass repaired.
People who want to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are advised to take three alternate routes:
1. Highway 11 (Chiang Mai-Lamphun-Phayao-Chiang Rai) with a distance of 350 kilometres;
2. Highways 1001 and 1150 (Chiang Mai-Phrao-Wiang Pa Pao-Chiang Rai) – 250km; and
3. Highays 107 and 109 (Chiang Mai-Fang-Mae Suay-Chiang Rai) – 280km.
