Islamabad Highway to be Converted into Expressway

Islamabad Highway ‘to be converted into expressway’

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to convert the Islamabad Highway into an expressway with construction of over a dozen interchanges and underpasses in the three years, well-placed sources in the civic body told ‘The News’ here on Monday.

Sources said that the CDA Planning Wing is chalking out a plan for provision of five interchanges and seven underpasses. These are in addition to the Zero Point Interchange whose design is under scrutiny by a consultant.

“There would be no traffic signal on Islamabad Highway from Zero Point to Rawat,” a CDA official told ‘The News.’ Sources said that the process for designing interchanges and underpasses from Sector I-8 traffic signal to Karal Chowk (Airport Chowk) has been started. The Capital Development Authority had short-listed nine companies for this purpose.

According to sources, interchanges would be built at Rawat, Karal Chowk and Soan and Khanna bridges. Underpasses are being planned at Sector I-8 traffic signal, Kurri Road, near PWD Housing Scheme, Soan Garden Scheme, Japan Road and Defence Housing Authority (near Commoner’s Town).

CDA sources said that the construction of interchanges and underpasses on Islamabad Highway was one of civic body’s plans to clear six or seven corridors from all traffic hurdles, which mainly include traffic signals.

Sources said that the Islamabad Highway’s plan includes its expansion by one lane each of 12 feet on both sides. These lanes would be rigid lanes meant for flow of heavy traffic. Sources said that the construction of interchanges and underpasses on Islamabad Highway was necessitated by development of housing schemes on both sides.