President to open Mannar bridge, causeway tomorrow

Irangika RANGE

The new Mannar bridge and the causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland constructed at a cost of Rs 2,460 million will be opened to the public by President Mahinda Rajapaksa tomorrow.

Around 41,000 people in Mannar Island will directly benefit from this project which will improve market approachability and facilitate transportation at a low cost. A Highways and Road Development Ministry Spokesman told the Daily News that this is a great achievement and a clear evidence of the Government's efforts towards reconciliation and development in the North and the East.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 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. He 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.

The Road Development Authority under the supervision of the Highways and Road Development Ministry has implemented the Project. 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 restricted for heavy vehicles of over 10 tons.