New bridge for Arugam Bay

Rajmi Manatunga

The Government will open the new Arugam Bay bridge connecting Pottuvil, Arugam Bay and Panama in the Eastern province from July 1. The bridge constructed at a cost of US $ 10.4 million, will replace the old bridge over Arugam Bay which was severely damaged in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided financial assistance for the construction of the new state - of - the - art bridge which has been designed and built according to US technology.

According to the Highways Ministry, the new bridge comprises two spans measuring 185 metres, and offers user-friendly features like protected pedestrian walkways.