New Overpass at Nugegoda Junction

by Brian JANSZ

It is certainly a gift to the travelling public - the construction of this overpass by the Road Development Authority (RDA) in order to ease the traffic congestion at this very busy intersection.

But have the real aspirations been fulfilled? Certainly not! Due to many shortcomings in the planning, another form of traffic congestion occurs due mainly to the bus stops at either end of the overpass. Let me explain: on the way towards Colombo, where the slope ends to merge with main traffic, buses stop to discharge and embark passengers. It is common knowledge that buses travel in convoys as they are not properly timed and park for long periods of time.

Thus when a line of buses converge on the halt the last bus parks at an angle, blocking the path of traffic descending from the overpass. It is the same the other way facing Maharagama. It looks a nightmare since both sides of the road are torn up, buildings that were dismantled still lying in debris, some water lines, telephone and electricity junction boxes exposed. Matters reach a high with 3-wheelers parking all over the place. Many banks have been situated right in the centre of the intersection with no proper parking facilities, hawkers have taken over the pavements reserved for pedestrians and vehicle owners indiscriminately parking at shopping areas thus adding to the confusion.

The Police (Traffic) of this area has not got in with the RDA officers in suggesting new arrangements to meet the needs of the travelling public. Usually we find one or two officers trying desperately to control chaos at junctions. Why does the Police of the area not get together with the Municipal Councillors and set up a realistic parking system? A system can be put into effect like in the City of Colombo where there are designated parking areas with parking attendants taking control, charging a nominal fee which would be an additional source of income to the local council, a means of sustenance to the attendants and make an orderly parking system.Regards the bus stops named I suggest that the bus stop towards Maharagama, that is situated near the traffic lights be shifted back to the area around St. Joseph’s Convent and the one situated near St. John’s College be shifted forward to an area close to Pizza Hut. Likewise, the bus stop facing Colombo near the temple be shifted forwards about 100 to 150 metres. It needs the supervision of traffic officer’s in huts situated at either ends of the overpass on shifts.