ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has started construction work on Ataturk Avenue to widen the road between D-Chowk and Ayub Chowk. The road will be expanded from a single lane into a two-way carriageway. The project will cost Rs. 241 million and is expected to finish within two months.
Since March 31, the avenue has been closed to traffic while construction is ongoing. Islamabad Traffic Police has set up alternate routes to help commuters get around the affected area.
The CDA has also taken steps to protect trees along the route, following heavy criticism over a similar project in 2018 when more than a hundred trees were cut down. This time, the authority says no trees will be removed. Twelve trees that fall in the path of construction are being dug up and moved to nearby locations. CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani invited journalists and environmentalists to visit the site and see the process for themselves.
The project is being carried out under the supervision of the Environment Protection Agency, which had previously raised objections over tree cutting on the same stretch.
Apart from widening the road, the project also includes building dedicated cycling lanes and improving the overall layout of the avenue to reduce traffic congestion.
Residents have been asked to plan their travel in advance and follow instructions from traffic police during the construction period.
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