Islamabad: Zero Point traffic diversion plan

[Naveed Yaseen]

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday announced traffic diversion plan for motorists during the construction of Zero Point Interchange.
“A comprehensive diversion plan has been finalised. As per international standards, all routes will be properly carpeted, fenced and well-marked,” said a CDA official.
He said in the first phase, traffic would be diverted to four slip roads interlinking major roads passing through the point. He said slip roads would be constructed within a six-month time. He said in the meantime, the CDA would complete dualisation of Garden Avenue, which was now in the tendering phase.
The official said the contractor would execute the project in three phases and open alternative routes accordingly.
He said Islamabad Traffic Police had been consulted about the traffic diversion plan for its smooth execution.
He said in the second phase, the contractor would construct Faisal Avenue and open the
newly-constructed loops and
ramps to the traffic.
He said during the construction of the said avenue, the traffic coming from Rawalpindi to Islamabad would be diverted to Suharwardi Road.
The official said in the third phase, the constructor would begin work on the 48-feet wide bridge on Faisal Avenue. He said vehicles would use loops, ramps, Kashmir Highway, 7th and 9th Avenues and Garden Avenue as alternative routes during the work.
He said commuters moving towards Aabpara, Melody and Secretariat should use Garden Avenue or Murree Road and those on way to E-8, F-8, G-8, F-10 and Faisal Mosque should take the parallel road of I-8 while passing through Al-Shifa International and H-8 Graveyard.
He said signboards and digital screens displaying alternative routes and diversions would be installed on the city’s all major routes shortly.
The official said initially, the contractor would widen the portions of Islamabad Highway and Kashmir Highway falling on the project site to avert congestion on the intersection.
He said motorists could also use existing alternative roads to avoid congestion on the project site.
He said the Islamabad Traffic Police had already banned movement of heavy traffic towards the city downtown via 9th Avenue.
He said the CDA would also try its best to ensure minimum traffic choking on Zero Point to minimise inconvenience to motorists. app

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...08_pg11_12