Construction of the second rest area along the Southern Expressway has commenced in the Udukawa area of Matara, aimed at providing rest and amenities to drivers and passengers travelling between Kottawa and Mattala.
The project was officially launched on Monday (29) under the aegis of Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Highways, Professor Kapila C.K. Perera.
Located near the 119th kilometre mark between Matara Godagama and Kokmaduwa, the rest area is being built with an initial allocation of Rs. 43 million.
Phase one will accommodate approximately 30 vehicles at a time. Phase two will expand the facility into a fully equipped service zone with enhanced capacity and amenities.
Currently, the only existing rest area on the Southern Expressway is in the Welipenna region. This new facility is being developed as a fast-track project to improve safety and comfort for road users. Construction is expected to be completed within three months.
Guided by the advice of Minister of Transport, Bimal Rathnayake, the initiative is part of a broader plan to establish rest areas that meet international standards across the 314-kilometre expressway network, prioritizing passenger safety and convenience. (Newswire)