Traffic authorities seek urgent re-carpeting of the road from Double Road to 9th Avenue after months of pipeline work left the key corridor in poor condition.
RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi’s Chief Traffic Officer has called for the immediate repair and re-carpeting of Cricket Stadium Road as the city prepares to host international cricket activity at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The road was excavated for a WASA water pipeline project, with the work beginning around five months ago. Although the pipeline installation was completed on September 28, the road remained unrepaired, creating difficulties for motorists, pedestrians and nearby businesses.
Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam has asked the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi to ensure that both sides of the Stadium Road, from Double Road to 9th Avenue, are repaired and re-carpeted before the scheduled cricket events.
The road is an important route connecting the cricket stadium with nearby hotels, APS School, vehicle showrooms and the food street. It is also frequently used by commuters travelling between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
According to the traffic authorities, the deteriorated road surface has contributed to traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents, traders, pedestrians and other road users. Traffic police personnel have also faced difficulties managing vehicle movement around the excavated section.
The condition of the road has become more significant with international teams expected to use the same corridor while travelling to and from the stadium for scheduled matches. The traffic authorities have therefore stressed the need for the road to be restored before the events begin.
Meanwhile, the City Traffic Police has prepared a comprehensive traffic management plan for the cricket matches. More than 321 traffic officers and wardens are expected to be deployed to manage vehicle movement and minimise disruption.
Temporary diversions will be introduced during the arrival and departure of cricket teams. Parking has also been arranged at designated locations, including the Civil Aviation Ground, Shahbaz Sharif Park near Shaheen Chowk and Graduate Degree College Satellite Town.
During match-related movements, Stadium Road will be temporarily closed between 9th Avenue Chowk and Double Road, while motorists will be directed towards alternative routes including Faizabad, the Expressway, IJP Road, Murree Road and other connecting roads.
Authorities are also preparing motorists for temporary route changes to keep traffic flowing during the cricket schedule and reduce inconvenience for commuters.
