The Murree Expressway along with all other entry routes leading to Murree have been reopened for traffic, after they were closed temporarily because of heavy snowfall last week.
The routes were closed due to precautionary purposes to maintain the safety of travellers and residents due to extreme weather conditions. Authorities took this step to avoid accidents and control the flow of vehicles in the thick snow.
According to the Traffic Police, the Murree Expressway is now open for tourists despite the continuous severe cold weather. A spokesperson for the City Traffic Police Murree said that traffic men in the field are fully active and are performing their duty with dedication, despite extreme weather conditions. Officers are posted at different points to ease the flow of traffic and assist the visitors.
Traffic wardens are also assisting the affected vehicles stranded by the snowfall and moving them to safer places to avoid further distress. In addition, tourists themselves are receiving regular briefings on safe driving practices especially as they use snow-covered and slippery roads.
Drivers have been strictly recommended to drive at low speeds, stick to proper lane discipline and refrain from double-lane driving.
The traffic police have stressed on using four-wheel-drive vehicles and tyre chains in the times of snowfall to ensure good traction and safety. In case of any emergency or accident, citizens are asked to contact the police helpline immediately at 15.
Authorities have further advised tourists to avoid unnecessary stopping on slippery roads or taking selfies on roadsides when it is snowy.
Meanwhile, snowfall has covered Murree and the Galyat valleys and buried the region in a thick white blanket. Around two feet of snow was recorded in Murree while Galyat’s snowfall was more than three feet. Murree has seen its snowiest weather in 20 years with the snow storm said to have broken the record for the last 20 years. The amount of snow in some areas has piled up as much as five feet and has impacted greatly on mobility and everyday life in the area.
Also read: Heaviest snowfall in 20-years hits Murree
