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| Saturday, 9 October 2004 |
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The uniflow system to introduce one-way traffic flow towards the North from the Savoy Cinema at Galle Road, Wellawatte up to Kollupitiya Junction and from the Liberty Plaza roundabout at Kollupitiya along R. A. de Mel Mawatha (Duplication Road) for traffic moving Southwards up to Dharmapala Road, Wellawatte will be tested with a trial run from Sunday morning according to the Traffic Police Division, the Ministry of Public Security, Law and Order said yesterday. According to Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic Colombo Y. G. R. M. Lafir depending on the success of the test run, the uniflow scheme will be continued. Secretary to the Ministry Internal Security, Law and Order Tilak Ranaviraja, Senior officials of the Traffic Division, Municipal and other senior officials will be present to watch the operation of the new scheme. The plan will see all vehicles (including buses) moving in six lanes from the Dickmans Road, Bambalapitiya towards the Kollupitiya junction on the Galle Road whilst vehicles (including buses) coming from Galle Face will flow southwards by turning left at Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 3, proceed towards the Liberty Plaza roundabout, drive along R. A. de Mel Mawatha up to Dharmarama Road, Wellawatte and then proceed up the road to Galle Road by turn left towards Wellawatte Junction. All long distance buses including heavy vehicles will also use this turn off. Lafir said that all bus halts numbering nearly 10 now along Galle Road from Kollupitiya Junction up to Wellawatte will be shifted to R. A de Mel Mawatha and commuters proceeding southwards will have to turn up along R. A. de Mel Mawatha. All lanes in between these points (i.e. Savoy Cinema and Kollupitiya junction) will be made one-way alternatively. However, Dickman's Road, Vajira Road and Bauddhaloka Mawatha will have traffic flowing both ways. The uniflow system will give each road six lanes one-way which is twice the number of lanes that are presently available. Studies have proved that the distance of 3.8 k.m. and 4 k.m. respectively, can be covered in 10 minutes. The saving of 15-20 minutes, is as far as the working population is concerned, will undoubtedly make a positive contribution towards the overall economy of the country in addition to the less wear and tear of the vehicles. It has been estimated around 100,000 to 120,000 vehicles travel towards the city centre everyday along Galle Road and R. A. de Mel Mawatha. Traffic police say that there may be initial difficulties experienced by business establishments, commuters and residents until they get used to the procedures. The Government is to take into consideration the representations made by the public and adopt suitable remedial measures. |
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