DUSHANBE, January 20, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Some sections of the upgraded highway from Dushanbe to Khujand are closed for traffic at night time starting from today, according to the Interior Ministry traffic police directorate.

This decision is based on inspection of some mountain sections of the highway by specialists from the traffic police, ministry of transport and communications as well as the Innovative Road Solution Ltd (IRS) company, which operates the toll on the highway.

“According to the commission, it is dangerous to drive along the section from Varzob district to the village of Okhtangi in Sughd’s Shahrtiston district at night time due to possible avalanches and ice-slick,” said the source, “Therefore, it is decided to keep the highway open for traffic from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.  On odd days, the highway is open for traffic from Dushanbe to Khujand and on even days, it is open for traffic from Khujand to Dushanbe.”