The closure will affect a two-kilometre stretch between Sukhumvit Soi 83 and Sukhumvit 101/1, which will have only two outbound lanes.

"Motorists should avoid this section and use alternative routes," Bangkok Metropolitan Admin-istration spokesman Isara Suntornwat said yesterday.

He suggested motorists could use the road along the old railway line that runs from Bangchak Petroleum Refinery to Sanphawut Road and then to Phuchao Samingprai Road. He said motorists could turn into Sukhumvit Soi 77, at On Nut, and go straight to Srinakharin Road, then to Theparak Road.

"Motorists can also use the expressway and exit on the Bang Na -Trat Road," Isara said.

The other option is to go via the industrial ring road that runs from Rama III Road to the Phuchao Samingprai Intersection.

Deputy chief of traffic at

Phra Khanong police station, Lt Colonel Saranyu Chamnanrat, said congestion could be expected on the outbound lanes especially

in the evening after the lane is closed.

"We are preparing to facilitate the traffic flow as best we can.

"We plan to hold the lights on green for longer for the outbound lanes," he said, adding that more traffic police officers would be positioned along the affected stretch.