Zero Point Interchange: Two slip roads to open within fortnight

[LahoreEstate]

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority is all set to open two slip roads of the under-construction Zero Point Interchange within a fortnight, as the contractor has carpeted almost all roads linking Islamabad Highway and Peshawar Morr.
“We are close to opening the two slip roads simultaneously within a week or two, as the work is almost in the final stage. The roads have been carpeted and are being given the final touches,” said the spokesperson for the authority Mustafain Kazmi on Sunday.
The above-mentioned two slip roads were scheduled to open to traffic about a couple of months ago but the opening was delayed due to the restricted movement of heavy vehicles for security reasons as well as the financial meltdown confronting the civic body.
The opening of the slip roads would pave way for construction activity on the main bridge at Zero Point, as the contractor has already initiated work on the second phase consisting of main flyovers and underpasses linking Islamabad Highway and Kashmir Highway as the girder laying is in progress.

The work on the first phase was also slowed down due to delayed relocation of its main power transmission lines falling in the project area that has now been started. According to the official sources, the CDA has initially paid Rs40 million out of total Rs 90 million demanded by the department concerned for relocation of the power lines.

The spokesperson said that traffic would continue plying on the existing roads till opening of two slip roads and launch of work to demolish the overhead bridge, adding that as the carpeting completes, the contractor would install signboards guiding the motorists about the alternative routes.

He said though alternative routes would be enough to accommodate traffic, for their convenience, the people were requested to take other routes like service roads of sector I-8 or road passing through Shakarparian to avoid any congestion.

The restricted entry of dumpers carrying asphalt and other heavy machinery is still hindering the pace of work because dumpers’ entry to the capital city was banned in the aftermath of Marriott blast when an explosive-laden hydraulic dumper hit the main gate of the hotel claiming several lives.
As for protection of the natural beauty of the federal capital, the contractor is taking all possible measures, said an official closely linked to the project. “We have just squeezed a shoulder on Faisal Avenue in front of Zarai Taraqqiati Bank to protect about 200 pine trees, each aged about 40,” he said. app

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