The Southern expressway, the longest out of the proposed expressway network will be completed by July said Chairman / Director General Road Development Authority A.W.R. Pemasiri.He was addressing the Logistics Leaders Evening themed “Strategies for land transport related infrastructure development” organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka. “Plans are afoot to complete the expressway from Kottawa to Galle with 11 interchanges by July,” he said.Read more
The interchanges will be at Makumbura, Kahathuduwa, Gelanigama, Dodangoda, Lewanduwa, Kurundugahahetekma, Nayapamula (Baddegama), Pinnaduwa, Deegoda, Kokmaduwa and Godagama.
Pemasiri said that this will be an access controlled toll road and toll plazas will be constructed at interchanges. Vehicles such as three-wheelers, motorcycles as well as tractors will not be allowed and there will be loading restrictions as well.
The new road initially planned from Kottawa to Matara will be extended to Hambantota.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), JICA as well as EXIM Bank of China are the main funding agencies for the project.
The objectives of the project are to improve transport facilities for future development of the Southern Region, provide a highway to act as a catalyst in encouraging and attracting industries and services for the economic and social development of the region, and promote inter-regional transport facilities considering it as a major component of the proposed expressway network.
Courtesy - Observer
