Islamabad Issues Urgent Traffic Advisory for December 8 & 9 — Major Roads to Face Closure
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued an Urgent Traffic Advisory for commuters traveling on December 8 and 9, warning of major congestion, temporary closures, and restricted access on several key routes. The announcement was made to help residents, office workers, students, and travelers manage their schedules in advance, as the capital is expected to experience heavy movement during the mentioned hours.
ITP stated that traffic pressure will be unusually high on December 8 between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., and on December 9 between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.. The department urged all motorists to plan their routes carefully, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay connected with official updates to prevent inconvenience.
Heavy Congestion Expected on Major Islamabad Routes
The advisory specifically highlighted three major arteries of the city that are likely to face serious traffic buildup:
- Faisal Avenue
- Islamabad Expressway
- Srinagar Highway
These roads form Islamabad’s central movement corridor, linking key residential, commercial, and government zones. Any disturbance on these routes typically results in city-wide slowdowns. ITP warned that both days may witness slow traffic, delayed travel times, and temporary diversions depending on real-time conditions.
According to officials, teams will be placed at major intersections to guide motorists and manage any emergency bottlenecks. The department further emphasized that the advisory is part of its strategy to minimize public inconvenience during high-movement days.
Red Zone Entry Restrictions to Be Enforced
One of the most important elements of the advisory is the temporary closure of specific Red Zone entry points. ITP announced that both Express Chowk and the Marriott Gate will remain closed for entry during the specified hours.
This move aims to control sensitive area movement and prevent gridlocks at government institutions, foreign missions, and high-security offices located within the Red Zone.
Alternate Entry Points Provided
Commuters who must enter the Red Zone have been instructed to use alternative access roads, including:
- Serena Road
- NADRA Road
- Margalla Road
ITP has assured that additional officers will be present on these routes to smooth traffic and assist those unfamiliar with the detours.
Alternate Routes Suggested for All Commuters
From Rawalpindi to Islamabad
Motorists coming from Rawalpindi may use the following alternate routes to avoid congested corridors:
- Rawal Road
- 9th Avenue
- Faqueer Aipee Road
- Srinagar Highway
These routes bypass the central pressure points and provide smoother, more predictable traffic flow.
From Islamabad to Rawalpindi
Those traveling toward Rawalpindi were advised to use:
- Zero Point
- Srinagar Highway via 9th Avenue
ITP noted that these access points are expected to remain relatively clear and better managed during peak hours.
From Murree or Bhara Kahu
Commuters entering Islamabad from the Murree Road side—including Bhara Kahu—may use multiple diversion routes to reach their destinations with less difficulty:
- Korang Road
- Bani Gala Route
- Park Road
- Lehtrar Road
These diversions help distribute traffic evenly across the eastern and southern belts of the capital instead of overloading the Expressway.
ITP Deployment and Travel Assistance
Islamabad Traffic Police has announced full deployment during the advisory windows. Officers will remain stationed at:
- Key intersections
- Sensitive entry points
- Interchanges
- Diversion spots
Their role will be to manage unexpected congestion, respond to emergencies, and assist commuters who may require help navigating alternate routes.
The department also encouraged travelers to utilize ITP Radio 92.4 FM, where real-time traffic updates will be broadcast throughout the day. Additionally, the official social media accounts of Islamabad Police will share live updates, helping citizens stay informed.
Why the Advisory Matters
Islamabad’s traffic pattern changes sharply when even a single major route experiences pressure. The Expressway, Faisal Avenue, and Srinagar Highway collectively handle a significant share of daily movement. Any closure or slowdown on these arteries leads to extended delays on surrounding roads.
The advisory aims to:
- Reduce peak-hour congestion
- Prevent road blockages
- Ensure smooth movement for essential services
- Guide citizens toward safer and faster alternate routes
- Minimize travel delays during busy hours
By providing advance notice, ITP hopes residents will adjust their travel plans, particularly for office commutes, school timings, and inter-city movement.
Public Reaction and Awareness
Many Islamabad residents appreciated the early advisory, noting that advance warnings help them avoid delays. Office workers, especially those traveling between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, rely heavily on Expressway and Srinagar Highway, making timely updates essential.
However, some citizens also expressed concerns about congestion spilling over into residential areas due to diversions. In response, ITP stated that special teams will be deployed inside sectors to prevent unnecessary gridlock and ensure that internal roads remain functional.
Travel Tips for Citizens
To further assist commuters, ITP shared practical guidance to help citizens move safely and efficiently:
✓ Leave Earlier Than Usual
During high-movement hours, even alternate routes may slow down. Leaving 20–30 minutes earlier can save significant time.
✓ Follow Officer Instructions
Diversion points will be managed manually. Motorists are advised to follow traffic officers’ directions to maintain smooth flow.
✓ Avoid Unnecessary Trips
Non-essential movement should be postponed during the advisory windows to reduce load on major roads.
✓ Stay Updated
Listen to ITP Radio 92.4 or check the Islamabad Police social media pages for live updates.
✓ Use Navigation Apps
Real-time digital maps can help identify congested areas and suggest faster alternate routes.
Conclusion – Islamabad Issues Urgent Traffic Advisory for December 8 & 9
Islamabad Traffic Police’s urgent advisory for December 8 and 9 aims to prepare the public for heavy congestion and temporary closures on critical city routes. By outlining clear alternate paths and enforcing controlled entry into the Red Zone, ITP hopes to minimize inconvenience and maintain smooth traffic flow.
Residents have been strongly encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed, and follow official instructions during these hours. With proper cooperation from the public, the two-day traffic advisory can be managed safely and efficiently.
