TransKarachi Clarifies Why University Road U-Turn Has Limited Width

TransKarachi has clarified the limited width of the new elevated University Road U-turn, a feature of the Karachi BRT Red Line Project. The design constraints stem from the small amount of available road space, which must accommodate various infrastructure elements. These comprise three lanes on each side of the main road, the BRT corridor, service roads, parking areas, cycling tracks, and other facilities. As a result, the project has limited room for extra traffic lanes or broader road structures.

The U-turn is structured to permit one vehicle, either a car or a motorcycle, to travel side by side. In the event of a breakdown, a second car should still have adequate room to pass. The ramps measure 5 metres in clear width, while the turning sections span 6 metres. Post-U-turn, vehicles seamlessly integrate back into the existing three-lane traffic flow on University Road. Authorities opted against a dedicated merging lane due to space limitations, necessitating drivers to merge with ongoing traffic post-U-turn.

The design caters to vehicles and buses up to 12 metres in length. A maximum speed limit of 30 km/h has been imposed on the elevated U-turn to ensure smoother movement and more manageable maneuvers on the structure. This measure aims to enhance safety while maneuvering the confined space. The Sindh government affirmed its dedication to creating effective, secure transport infrastructure while minimizing commuter inconveniences.