Lyari Expressway closures cripple traffic

U-turn, track shutdowns redirect commuters via Garden Interchange amid construction work

KARACHI:

Commuters are facing major disruptions on the Lyari Expressway as key U-turns and a section of the track were temporarily closed, causing long queues, traffic jams, and frustration among motorists.

An official announced on Friday that the U-turn from Hassan Square towards Sohrab Goth was closed for all traffic due to ongoing construction work by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). Meanwhile, the Lyari Expressway track from Essa Nagri to Sohrab Goth was also shut late Friday night for road carpeting, further worsening the situation.

Motorists travelling from Sohrab Goth towards Gharibabad were advised to use the Garden Interchange U-turn, while those heading from Hassan Square to Sohrab Goth were similarly instructed to take the alternate U-turn at Garden Interchange. The exit ramp leading towards Hassan Square was temporarily restricted as well.

Despite these measures, many commuters criticised the lack of timely public announcements. Drivers reported encountering the closures unexpectedly, with toll booth staff failing to alert them and only two private guards stationed at the U-turn to direct traffic. Vehicles had to travel long distances before finding alternative routes, worsening congestion and delays.

Traffic from Lyari towards Sohrab Goth was particularly affected as the Hassan Square exit ramp closure forced vehicles to continue towards Liaquatabad, compounding the gridlock. Authorities urged commuters to plan their journeys and use alternate routes to minimise inconvenience.