ISLAMABAD: Excavation work on Faisal Avenue leading towards Faisal Mosque has now started, a Capital Development Authority (CDA) spokesperson said on Saturday.

“To maintain traffic flow in the vicinity, traffic emerging from Zero Point and Kashmir Highway leading to Faisal Mosque has been diverted to Service Road (East) of G-8 which was especially extended,” he said.

According to a statement, earlier excavation on Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point was going on after diverting traffic on the Service Road (West) of G-7.

In line with instructions of authority’s management, the engineering wing was directed to devise a traffic diversion plan for both sides of Faisal Avenue in consultation with the Islamabad Traffic Police as well as the transport and traffic planning directorate of the CDA.

“Due to effective traffic plan and arrangements made by the authority no traffic congestion has been witnessed which is also being lauded by commuters on the avenue,” the statement claimed.

Construction of underpass at Faisal Avenue was a long-awaited public welfare project. On completion, the project will not only improve the flow of traffic on Faisal Avenue but will also provide a swift access to the residents of G-7 and G-8.

Meanwhile, CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed on Saturday visited the site of the construction of access roads/additional loops adjacent to F-8/G-8 underpass on Jinnah Avenue.

These missing access roads/loops are being constructed to give swift access to F-8 and G-8 from Jinnah Avenue and vice versa and for proper utilisation of the underpass.

The loop at G-8 side has been almost completed while work on rest of the side is also in progress which will be completed shortly. After adjusting levels on the access roads/loops, carpeting would be carried out.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2020