One of main projects under Uthuru Vasanthaya:

Mannar bridge, causeway nearing completion

Irangika Range

The Construction work on new Mannar bridge and the causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland are now nearing completion and will be opened for the public soon.

Approximately 41,000 people living in Mannar Island will be directly benefited by this project which will vastly improve the market approachability and facilitating transportation at a low cost.

A Highways and Road Development Ministry spokesman said the Japanese Government has funded the construction of the new bridge and causeway which is one of the most important projects in the country.

It would contribute to achieving notable economic and social development in the Northern region in the near future.

The Road Development Authority under the supervision of the Highways and Road Development Ministry is implementing the Project.

He said the new bridge spanning 157.1 metre length and 10.4 m width has been constructed with two lanes of carriageway and sidewalks on the Medawachchiya–Mannar–Thalaimannar (A 14) Road.

The causeway has been extended up to 3.14 km in length and 11.0 m width comprising 2 lanes of carriageway.

The existing bridge and causeway which connect the Mannar Island and the mainland were constructed in 1930s with a single lane which is narrow in width. It was the only access road to the Mannar Island from the mainland.

This bridge which was damaged due to a terrorist bomb blast in 1990 was restored with a temporary steel bailey bridge which was narrow in width and was restricted for heavy vehicles of over 10 tons.

The causeway was also very narrow in width with single traffic lane.

Heavy vehicles had to reduce speed and wait on the sidewalk to give way for the vehicles coming from the opposite side.

The movements along the causeway were frequently interrupted during the monsoons due to high tidal waves.