President Maithripala Sirisena will open the Rajagiriya flyover tomorrow, increasing the driving speed along Parliament road, from approximately 2 KMPH to 16 KMPH, the President’s Media Division said.
While construction of the flyover was due to be completed by the end of this year, steps were taken, under the guidance of the President, to complete the construction work 11 months ahead of schedule.
The flyover at Welikada junction in Rajagiriya will provide a long-term solution for the heavy traffic congestion in the area.
The construction of the flyover commenced in 2016 with the project being handled jointly by a Spanish construction company and a local company, at a cost of Rs. 4.7 billion.
It was funded through a loan of Rs. 4.3 billion from the Government of Spain.
The completed flyover comprising four lanes, is 533 metres in length and 21.4 metres in width.
Several roads around the Rajagiriya area are also to be developed as a part of the project, while an alternative road towards Narahenpita will be developed as well. The road towards Buthgamuwa will also be developed and will consist of three lanes.
The Rajagiriya flyover built by filling concrete surfaces on metal, is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka.
The flyover at Ganemulla is due to be opened on Thursday, January 11.