RDA says solutions to Kandy's traffic problems on the way
After years of searching for solutions to ease traffic blocks in Kandy, the Road Development Authority (RDA) says it is finally ready to implement the first phase of a plan to ease the traffic jams on Sri Sangharaja Mawatha, via a new route along the Tennakumbura - Mahiyangana Road.
The project is estimated to cost rupees one hundred and three million.
Traffic blocks along this route cause the biggest bottle-necks during school hours both in the morning and afternoon.
To make matters worse huge trucks transporting sand from Mahiyagana along the same route cause perpetual traffic jams even at times when schools are not functioning.
Minister of Road Development Lakshman Kiriella said the project took years of planning and faced many difficulties in attempting to implement a scheme which would not only ease traffic congestion. but would also take into consideration that the plan did not interfere with Kandy being a Heritage City.
A major problem facing planners had always been the sharp bend near Mahamaya College -a major cause for traffic blocks along this road. To overcome this problem the RDA plans to construct a bridge over the ornamental foot- path near Mahamaya College.
Engineer in charge of the Project, Tilak Siriwardene said the plan does fit in with the 'Heritage city' design and has the blessings of the Malwatte Mahanayake as well.
The bridge will be built entirely with government funds and no grant funds will be utilised, he said
The bridge will have a dual carriageway as well as a metre-wide footpath for pedestrians.
The roadway will connect to a one-way road at Louis Pieris Mawatha and the Bridge would also link the Ampitya-Talatuoya road.
According to Mr. Siriwardene the Kandy Lake would not be affected and the bridge. He said the project had been accepted by the ongoing World Bank programme.
Initial work has commenced, and Minister Kiriella is expected to officially commission the project shortly
The Project is handled by the Regional Director of Highways D. Kumaranatunge