The government plans to connect Colombo’s expressway network to the city through the Port Access Road near Galle Face and the Lotus Roundabout, with further extensions along Marine Drive to Moratuwa, Minister of Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday (05), the minister said that although the government had provided all necessary facilities, the contractor company handling the Port Access Road was delaying the project citing various reasons.
He noted that issues remain in the initial plans of the Port Access Road, and that studies on access points and land acquisition have already begun.
According to the minister, the construction company has informed that the Port Access Road entrance could be completed by August 2026, while the section from the Port Access Road to Galle Face–Lotus Roundabout has been assigned to another contractor, with work expected to finish by mid‑2027.
Minister Rathnayake added that once the Port Access Road is connected to Galle Face–Lotus Roundabout, a feasibility study will be conducted on the impact of increased vehicle inflows.
He said the government intends to address congestion through the planned extension of the Marine Drive coastal road up to Moratuwa. (Newswire)