Islamabad-Peshawar M-1 Motorway reopens after five-day closure
The National Highways and Motorway Police confirmed that all types of traffic can now use the motorway between Islamabad and Peshawar.
The reopening is expected to provide relief to motorists and transporters who had been using alternative routes during the closure.
The M-1 is an important road link between Islamabad and Peshawar, serving passenger vehicles, buses and commercial transport.
Traffic restored in both directions
According to the motorway police, traffic can now travel on the M-1 in both directions. The reopening restores the main motorway connection between the federal capital and Peshawar after repair and rehabilitation work led to its temporary closure.
Motorists travelling between the two cities can resume using the motorway instead of taking the longer alternative routes required during the closure. However, authorities have advised motorists to remain alert to ongoing rehabilitation work on connected roads and motorway sections.
Rehabilitation work continues on M-14
While the M-1 has reopened, rehabilitation work is continuing on the M-14 Motorway between Hakla and Kundal. The ongoing work may lead to changes in traffic arrangements on some connecting routes.
Motorway authorities are carrying out rehabilitation activities to restore affected sections and improve road conditions. Drivers using the M-14 and roads connected to the M-1 are advised to follow traffic instructions issued by the authorities.
M-1 to Hazara Motorway connection remains under repair
Rehabilitation work is also continuing on the loop connecting the M-1 Motorway with the Hazara Motorway. The connecting road is important for motorists travelling towards Abbottabad and other areas of Hazara.
The ongoing work may require motorists to use alternative routes until the affected section is fully restored. Motorway police have provided an alternative route for travellers heading from Islamabad towards Abbottabad.
Alternative route available for Abbottabad traffic
Motorists travelling from Islamabad to Abbottabad via the M-1 can exit at the Burhan Interchange. They can then use the GT Road through Hasan Abdal before rejoining the Hazara Expressway at the Jhary Kas Interchange.
The alternative route is intended to help maintain traffic flow while rehabilitation work continues on the connecting loop. Drivers heading towards Abbottabad should follow road signs and instructions from motorway police to avoid confusion near the affected sections.
N-5 GT Road also open to traffic
The N-5 GT Road between Islamabad and Peshawar is also open to all types of traffic. The route provides another option for motorists travelling between the two cities and nearby areas.
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Although the M-1 has reopened, rehabilitation work continues at some interchanges and connected sections. Motorists are advised to remain cautious when approaching areas where construction or repair work is taking place.
Why was the M-1 closed?
The M-1 was closed for several days for rehabilitation and related roadwork. The federal government had announced the closure before traffic was stopped on the motorway.
The closure affected motorists travelling between Islamabad and Peshawar and forced many to use alternative routes.
Motorway police had also announced restrictions at several interchanges during the closure. These included the Tarnol, Sangjani, Brahma Bahter and Burhan interchanges.
Traffic restrictions eased after reopening
With the main M-1 route restored, traffic restrictions on the motorway have been eased. The reopening allows motorists to use the motorway in both directions and reduces the need for long diversions.
The restoration is particularly important for commercial transport because the M-1 provides a direct route between northern and central parts of the country. However, motorists should note that not all connected roads have been fully restored.
Motorists are advised to follow traffic instructions
Motorway police are expected to continue monitoring traffic as rehabilitation work progresses on nearby roads. Drivers should follow speed limits, road signs and instructions from traffic personnel, particularly near construction and repair sites.
Motorists travelling towards Abbottabad should use the recommended alternative route while the M-1-to-Hazara Motorway connection remains under rehabilitation. Checking route conditions before starting a long journey can also help motorists avoid delays.
