Kulsoom Plaza Chowk sans signage confuses motorists

Islamabad
Absence of proper signage at the Kulsoom Plaza intersection has always confused motorists but this confusion has multiplied following the construction of two underpasses and several connecting roads at the same junction.
The new additions were part of the Metro Bus Project launched in May. Technically the new underpasses should have covered Fazal-e-Haq Road on one side and the Nazimuddin Road on the other. Instead there are T-junctions on both ends, an example of poor planning.
While most residents greatly appreciate the Metro Bus and the beauty that it has added to the capital, they however point to the maze of roads on either side of Jinnah Avenue where the bus runs. "Without any road signs people tend to get confused with the new layout," says Naseem Qureshi, a stationery supplier.
The new set of roads could soon be the scene of some major accident with traffic lights not always functional. "I think the authorities are clueless on what to do with this set of roads," Qureshi said.
Many motorists are seen driving on the wrong sides on connecting roads, not intentionally but due to lack of road signs. "It is quite strange that neither the Capital Development Authority nor the Punjab Metro Bus Authority have paid any attention to this," said Umer Khan, who lives near the metro line.
Since several roads converge at these points, among them the slip lanes of 7th and Jinnah Avenues besides the Parbat and Sir Justice Abdul Rasheed Roads, the junction has seen numerous accidents.
The maze of intersections present a picture of 'survival of the fittest' where one not ready to compromise on speed, always gets the way. Although residents living in adjoining sectors are familiar with the tricky intersection, it is completely confusing for unsuspecting motorists.
Instead of taking some special measures to ensure accidents do not occur, the authorities even removed the cement blocks which were once used as medians.
Aside from this maze, the metro authorities have left most of the work on the service roads running alongside Jinnah Avenue unfinished. "It appears all their attention was on Jinnah Avenue which looks neat and spacious, but once you steer off it you find big potholes," said Aamir Rasheed, another local.
The damage done to roads of Blue Area during the construction of Metro Project is also waiting for the attention of authorities. Besides that, the construction material placed around Metro stations for building parking lots also creates problems for traffic and pedestrians.
"After the launch of Metro, the speed of work in surrounding areas has become very slow," said Aamir.