Finest Sri Lanka: Expressways lead to one Sri Lanka

After eradicating terrorism which lasted about 30years, the current Sri Lankan government now targets on a speedy development of the country. Government has started massive projects such as International Airport at Maththala, International Harbor at Hambanthota, and Express Highway project. Mahinda Rajapaksha International Harbor opened recently for commercial use. Express Highway project is a key ongoing project which done under three major stages. They are, Southern Expressway, Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and Outer Circular Highway.

Colombo – Katunayake Expressway

This project commenced in August 2009 which starts from new Kelani Bridge and ends at Airport access road (Canada Friendship road) at Katunayake. This lies along 25.8km distance. Expected number of lanes is 6 but most probably it will have 4 lanes at the end of project.

Republic of China funded the project which estimated about US$ 292 million. Four interchanges will cover the expressway situated in Peliyagoda, Kerawalapitiya, Ja-ela and Katunayake.

Outer Circular Highway

This expressway consists of 4 lanes and an ongoing project under 3 stages. Total length is about 29km. In first stage which started on September 2009, it completes 11km distance from Kottawa to Kaduwela town. Kaduwela to Kadawatha town, 2^nd stage lies through 9.35km and the project started on April 2010. Final stage consists the connection between Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya (8.75km) interchange. This overall project is funded by JICA, Japan.

Southern Expressway

This is the most completed project at the moment under 4 stages. Beginning from Kottawa (Makumbura) interchange this will lie towards Godagama at Matara district. The 130km expressway costs about 85 billion rupees. Interchanges are situated at Kottawa, Kahathuduwa, Galanigama, Dodangoda, Lewwanduwa, Kurundugaha, Nayapamula, Pinnaduwa, Deegoda, Kokmaduwa and Godagama. In September 2009 the first stage of Southern Expressway started from Kottawa to Dodangoda. Second was Dodangoda to Kurundugahahethakma interchange which started on March 2010. Then Kurundugaha – Pinnaduwa and Pinnaduwa – Matara(Godagama) started in April and June respectively.

Kottawa Interchange : Massive concrete supports are constructed to hold flyovers.

Outer Circular Highway : This is a place near Aturugiriya town which is a part of Outer Circular Highway project.

Kottawa Interchange : Artistic impression of the proposal.

Intermediate interchanges are now almost completed instead of the major Kottawa interchange right now. But one phase of highway from Kottawa to Galle will be open for public very soon. At the moment of this article one toll booth entrance has already constructed. Kottawa interchange will be the most complex among all others, and it can be categorized as a Hybrid interchange which consists of loop ramps, roundabouts and flyovers. When the first pace opened, people are able to travel from Kottawa to Galle within 1 hour at a speed of 100kmph which normally took 3 hours in Galle road.