Work on Kallady bridge begins

by Imantha Caldera

Construction work on the new Kallady Bridge at the Akkaraipattu, Batticaloa-Thricondiyadi Road has commenced. An official of the Ministry of Highways and Road Development said, "the total cost of this project is Rs. 700 million, funded by the Japanese Government.

The project is due to be completed within three years". The Kallady Bridge has two lanes for vehicles with two additional side lanes for cyclists. The length of the concrete bridge is 290 metres and the width is 14.5 metres. Informed sources said that construction work on bridges at Arugam Bay, Oddamavadi, Erakkakandy, Puduwaikattu, Yanoya and Kinniya has started.

Meanwhile, construction work on bridges in Komari, Kallar and Koddaikallara has been completed.

Sources also said that the bridges will be built shortly in Verugal, Ralkuli, Gangei and Upparu. Currently these areas are linked by ferry services. Difficulties in transportation in those areas are expected to ease with the new bridges.