16 flyovers across Colombo

Irangika Range

With the successful implementation of the flyover projects at Kelaniya and Panadura, the Government has embarked on a massive construction project to build 16 flyovers across Colombo and other parts of the country in a bid to ease traffic congestion.

The British Government has pledged to fund Rs. 107.5 billion for this project. The proposed 16 flyovers will be constructed in Nugegoda, Dehiwala, Negombo, Mahawa, Kohuwala, Boralasgamuwa Armour, Street, Hilton Circle, Lipton Circle, Kirulapana, Ja-ela, Veyangoda and Salve Island.

Acting Highways and Road Development Minister T. B. Ekanayaka told the Daily News that the construction of the third flyover will be commenced in Nugegoda in June. The length of the Nugegoda flyover is 300 meters.

The late Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle was able to complete the construction work of the pre-constructed flyover in Kelaniya within 61 days.

This endeavour was a new record in the development of the Sri Lankan Highways and Roads Development sector.

He also laid the foundation stone for the Panadura flyover in March and the construction is being carried out successfully.

This was the second flyover to be built under the Government's road development programme to construct 16 flyovers and 222 bridges countrywide.

All these 16 flyovers will be constructed as pre-fabricated flyovers and it is envisaged to complete the assemble of each pre-constructed flyovers within 70 or 80 days. A major objective of constructing flyovers in Colombo and suburbs is to ease traffic congestion.

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