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PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team civil engineers travelled to the northern edge of the province Oct. 13 in order to survey Section 7 of the Panjshir Highway.
This section reaches 14,878 feet in elevation and encompasses the most northern 15 kilometers of roadway in the province.
The road was quickly constructed during the Taliban regime, said Paryan Afghan National Police Chief Maj. Mohammad Ali, through an interpreter. He said the Taliban had blocked off all access points into Panjshir except Badakshan, and the people needed a passable route to get food and supplies into the province.
“We improved the road so we could get goods from Badakshan,” said Ali. “Once the road was complete, we could fend off the Taliban because we had food and supplies.”
The group was accompanied by Kalender Big, a former Mujahedeen general who served under Ahmad Shah Massoud, national hero of Afghanistan.
“The switchbacks near Anjuman Pass were the last portion of road constructed,” said Big through an interpreter. “We were in such a rush to get supplies; [the switchbacks] were completed in just a day and a half without an engineer.”
Big also said they picked a route that could be excavated quickly on the side of the mountain that received less snow.
“It was good to have Gen. Big on the mission because he was there when the road was first built,” said U.S Air Force Capt. Phillip Baker, Panjshir PRT lead civil engineer and San Antonio native. “He also has extensive knowledge on how weather affects the pass when travelling.”
Baker also said Big pointed out several different options that were considered when they first built the road, giving them possible options for construction.
“We relied on Gen. Big’s indigenous expertise to examine the most feasible options for constructing this road,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jason Adams, Panjshir PRT civil engineer and Glendale, Ariz., native. “He was essential to the success of this mission.”
The project to pave this route has been submitted to higher headquarters and is being re-evaluated for cost and engineering design. Once complete, it will contribute to the grand total of 145 kilometers of paved road constructed on the Panjshir Highway.
“This road is building a connection between the locals and government,” said Baker. “Something that was not possible for the people of Paryan before.
“The goal of the last portion, Section 7, is centered around economic development due to extensive natural resources on both sides of the pass,” said Baker. “The Afghan minister of public works publicly announced the high priority of this road as an effort to build economic corridors to Tajikistan.”
“It will improve the Panjshiris’ quality of life by giving them access to central services, medical care and police protection,” said Adams.
The Panjshir PRT engineering team has looked at many different options to ensure the best construction solution is implemented for sustainability.
“We have discussed road construction with numerous U.S. engineers in Afghanistan regarding the best methods to construct this road,” said Baker. “We looked at every option to include Roman Roads, but the most sustainable construction will require extensive drainage.”
The rugged terrain and harsh winters pose unique engineering challenges, said Baker.
“We are constructing a pass higher than any other paved road in the U.S.,” said Adams. “This is truly a modern engineering feat.”
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.20.2010 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 58505 |
| Location: | PANJSHIR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Afghanistan development to reach new heights, by Capt. Holly Hess, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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