Rs 2,020 mn Mannar Bridge opens on March 18

Irangika RANGE

The new Mannar bridge and the causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland constructed at a cost of Rs 2,020 million will be opened to the public by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on March 18 at 10.00 a.m.

Around 41,000 people living in Mannar Island will directly benefit from this project which will improve market approachability and facilitate transportation at a low cost.

Road Development Authority Japanese Aid Project Director M. Thuraisami told the Daily News this is a great achievement and a clear evidence of the Government's efforts towards reconciliation and development in the North and East.

The Japanese Government has funded the construction of the new bridge and causeway which is one of the most important projects in the country.

Thuraisami said the new bridge spanning 157.1 metres in length and 10.4 metres in 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 metres width comprising two lanes of carriageway.