Nugegoda flyover construction begins

Irangika RANGE

Nugegoda: The construction work on the Nugegoda flyover commenced yesterday aiming to ease the huge traffic congestion in Colombo and suburbs.

The foundation stone laying ceremony was held yesterday under the patronage of Highways and Road Development Minister T.B.Ekanayaka, Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardhana and Deputy Highways and Road Development Minister W.B.Ekanayaka at the Nugegoda junction.

This four line flyover is due to be completed by January 2009. The first two lanes will be constructed in the first phase.

The length of the flyover is 261 meters while the width is 8.7 metres.

The estimated cost for the project would be Rs.878 million which will be funded by UK.

The Mabey and Johnson Company of UK will handle the construction work which will be supervised by the Road Development Authority. Vehicles will be directed to the alternative roads to minimise the traffic congestion which is expected to occur during the period of the construction.

An Official from the Highways and Road Development Ministry told the Daily News that the commuters, vehicle owners and passengers are affected by the huge traffic congestion in Nugegoda.

This project will save their time and money.

A new traffic plan is expected to be formulated with the assistance of the Traffic Police to direct vehicles to Colombo through alternative roads.