Rs 880 million spent for new bridge:

Puduwekatta bridge opens today

Irangika Range

The new Puduwekattu bridge constructed at a cost of Rs.880 million under the Eastern Reawakening Program will be vested with the public today.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will commission the new bridge located on the B424 road from Trincomalee to Pulmoddai.

A Highways and Road Development Ministry spokesman told the Daily News a series of new projects to upgrade the entire road network in the East including the B 424 Trincomalee - Pulmudai road and to construct new bridges to replace existing ferries are being implemented under the Neganahira Navodaya program.

Construction of the three bridges in Irrakkandy, Puduwekattu and Yanoya in the Eastern Province commenced on November 17, 2007.

Spanish Government aid have been channelled to construct the Irrakkandi, Puduwekattu and Yan Oya new bridges.

Irrakkandy and Yanoya bridges have already been opened to the public, he said.

The new Pudewekattu bridge will facilitate civilians to cross the Puduwekattu lagoon.

“Vehicles will also be transported by ferries,” the spokesman said.

The length of the bridge is 300 metres while the width is 10.5 metres.

The public transport in the Trincomalee and Pulmoddai areas would be hassle free, once this bridge opens, he said.

The opening of the bridge will also facilitate the transportation of mineral sand from Pulmoddai to other areas and reduce the cost of public transport. The project will create income generating avenues facilitating tourists to arrive at the Nilaweli beach which is situated on the B424 road.

Construction work on the bridge was supervised by the Road Development Authority and the Highways and Road Development Ministry.