30 new Southern highway bridges to be replaced

The Government has decided to remove 30 newly constructed bridges on the Southern Expressway. These substandard bridges will be replaced by new ones, according to the Ministry of Highways. A survey conducted by University of Moratuwa has revealed that 40% of the bridges along the Southern Expressway have failed to meet the proper standards.

The Ministry sources said cost for replacing the new bridges on the Expressway should be borne by the constructors. The survey was conducted after the tragic death of a youth at Poddala in Galle due to the collapse of a new bridge on the expressway last month. Preliminary investigations into the incident have revealed that it was due to the negligence of the contractor. According to the Ministry there are 73 bridges on the Southern Expressway.