Lanka to build 222 new bridges across island

Colombo: The Government has embarked on a massive project of building 222 bridges including flyovers across the country to ease traffic congestion. The UK Government has granted Sterling Pounds 50 million for this project.

A spokesman of the Ministry of Highways and Road Development said the construction of the flyover in Kelaniya is expected to be completed in June.
It will help reduce traffic congestion in Kiribathgoda, Kadawatha and Peliyagoda. The construction work for the flyover in Panadura will commence soon.

He said Ministry officials are now finalising initial preparations for the building of 33 bridges out of 222 bridges in this year to be carried out soon under the directions of the Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

He said Ministry officials are now finalising initial preparations for the building of 33 bridges out of 222 bridges in this year to be carried out soon under the directions of the Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

He said traffic congestion in the country results in low speeds, high cost of travel time and delivery of services, pollution, accidents, waste of fuel, discouraging long distance traffic and hindering the expansion of economic activities.

This project would improve the safety of the pedestrians while eliminating congestion on major trunk roads of the National Highway Network. The project expects to be completed within four years giving priority for the development of the regional areas.

The HSBC coordinates the financial aspects of the project.