Leading innovation: Subway and traffic signals planned for Masjid Chowk

[LRE]

Leading innovation: Subway and traffic signals planned for Masjid Chowk

* DHA spokesman says commuters will use other routes during construction



By Afnan Khan

LAHORE: The Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has ordered the construction of a subway and installation of traffic signals at Masjid Chowk as part of the development project of the square.

The residents will have to use alternate paths to commute in the area till the project is completed. Developmental work at one of the busiest squares of the DHA will officially start from June 1 (today), however labourers and construction workers have already started demolition work in the area to create proper space for the new structures.

DHA spokesman Tajamul Hussain told Daily Times that the project aimed at controlling the massive flow of traffic at the square, especially during working hours, and facilitating pedestrians. He said that the project included a subway for people – especially for those visiting the square to offer prayers –reshaping of green belt along the road and expansion of the road. He said that entire project would be completed within two and a half months.

Traffic management: The spokesman said that hundreds of people coming to the masjid during prayer timings parked their vehicles along the roadside, which created problems for other passers-by and motorists. He said that visitors would now be suggested to park their vehicles away from the masjid and walk to the masjid through the new subway. He said that residents and commuters would be requested to use alternate routes to reach Sector H and other concerned markets in Sectors-E, -K and -J, as well as the road from LUMS to DHA Phase-V. “Commuters will also have to adopt an alternate path from Sector-Z and Sector-Y to reach other areas,” he said.

Hussain said that contractors had already started working on the project, and were digging the road, removing streetlights and demolishing the structures built on the roundabout. He said that the entire square was being demolished to be rebuilt differently. He said that traffic signals at the main square would regulate the traffic coming from main markets of the area and DHA Main Boulevard.

Summer better than others: The spokesman said that the project’s contract had been awarded a couple of months ago. He termed it one of the most significant developmental projects of the area. He said that the DHA administration kept in mind the possible traffic problems the residents could face, and hence ordered to start the construction work during the summer vacations to avoid traffic jams in schooldays.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...008_pg13_2