ISLAMABAD: The newly-built Recep Tayyip Erdogan Interchange at F-8 has developed faults, which were, however, fixed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday.

Sources said there were some undulation on the surface of roads in the interchange and a loop, which were pointed out by the project consultant.

Subsequently, the CDA’s contractor on Sunday night and on Monday redid the work with new asphalt.

“There was issue on ramp 1 and ramp 3 of the interchange pointed out by consultant recently. The consultant after pointing out undulation directed for new asphalt on specific patches to improve ride quality; therefore, the asphalt work was carried out,” said an officer of the CDA. He said as per the contract agreement, one year after opening of any project is the defect liability period, during which the contractor is responsible for fixing any fault that may develop.

After pointing out undulation by consultant, new asphalt on specific patches laid, says CDA official

Meanwhile, the alleged faults in the interchange/flyover remained under discussion on social media on Monday with netizens alleging that during the previous night rain the interchange had developed faults that were being fixed on an urgent basis.

The flyover and underpass project worth Rs4.1 billion was completed by the CDA in a record time recently.

However, a sharp loop in the underpass and a sharp left turn on the flyover had raised question marks on the design of the project.

A three-lane road abruptly becomes a two-lane road after entering the underpass as the third one is being used for the loop for an exit towards 9th Avenue.

The loop itself seems problematic because of its dog-leg bend and a concrete wall right after it.

Similarly, on the flyover, there is a right loop on the fast lane. The design is different from other similar projects in Islamabad in which an extra lane is always constructed for a loop.

After opening the project, the CDA coloured the third lane red which is being used for the loop to sensitise motorists. Several signboards and speed limits were also installed. The red colour has started fading now.

On the other hand, CDA has been defending the design of the project stating that there was no fault.

“If there was any fault in the design, by now, a large number of accidents have been taken place, but nothing such happened,” an official of the CDA said.

Meanwhile, in a press release on Monday, the CDA “clarified recent social media reports regarding the condition of the Tayyip Erdogan Interchange F-8 and said it [repair work/asphalt] is a routine and planned maintenance activity as part of quality assurance protocols to ensure project’s long-term durability and safety.

The maintenance measures reflect our proactive approach,” said the press release.

“The asphalt work was started before the start of Sunday rain. So it has nothing to do with rain. We planned it for Sunday for less traffic load on roads,” it added.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2025