The road network in the Colombo district is to undergo a major transformation next year with multiple road development projects commencing under the initiative of the Ministry of Highways and Higher Education.
The three road development projects connected to the New Kelani Bridge includes a three-kilometre elevated highway connecting the New Kelani Bridge and Colombo Fort, while a new road extending from Orugodawatta to Rajagiriya is also in the offing. The new road networks will see the construction of the New Kelani Bridge and its extensions while developing the road system to ease traffic congestion.
According to the Secretary to the Ministry of Highways and Higher Education, D.C. Dissanayake, the construction of the JICA-funded Kelani Bridge will commence in January.
“Two contractors have been awarded the contract,” Dissanayake said, adding that JICA has provided Rs. 45 billion for the project.
The new Kelani Bridge will be constructed from the Peliyagoda entrance of the Katunayake expressway, further extending to Orugodawatta and Ingurukade junction.
“An elevated highway will also be constructed connecting Orugodawatta to Colombo Fort,” he confirmed. Funding for the elevated highway project will be provided by the Asian Development Bank, Dissanayake said.
The three-kilometre long elevated highway will be constructed from the Ingurukade junction. “Tenders for the project is expected to be called soon,” Dissanayake said, adding that the designing of the bridge has already commenced.
“The new bridge and its extensions along with the elevated highway will reduce the traffic currently seen at the entrance to the Katunayake Expressway especially during rush hours,” Dissanayake said.