Construction of three major bridges along the Orugodawatta-Ambatale main road is being expedited as part of a project aimed at easing traffic congestion on the key route connecting the area with Colombo.
The No. 2/3 Kalu Bridge and No. 9/1 Bridge, where construction began in January 2025, are scheduled to be completed before the end of this year. Work on the No. 4/1 Bridge began in February this year and is expected to be completed by May 2027.
The three bridges are being constructed at a total estimated cost of Rs. 1.546 billion, with financial assistance from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
The 7.7-kilometre Orugodawatta-Ambatale road is being upgraded to address traffic congestion at key junctions including Orugodawatta, Wellampitiya, Kotikawatta, Angoda, Galwana and Ambatale.
Eight bridges along the road were identified for development under the project, with five already completed. The total cost of developing all eight bridges is estimated at Rs. 2.5 billion.
The project is being implemented under the direction of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, with the Road Development Authority (RDA) as the implementing agency. ELS Construction is carrying out the bridge construction work.
RDA Project Director for Foreign Aid Projects I.K. Baddegama said a further Rs. 4.2 billion is being allocated to upgrade the road with carpeting alongside the bridge development programme.
The completed works are expected to reduce travel delays and improve access between the surrounding residential and commercial areas. (Newswire)