Pothuhera-Galagedara Central Expressway: Phase 3 begins

COLOMBO (News1st): The Central Expressway was planned to be constructed under 4 phases. The construction of the first phase of the project which extends from Kadawatha to Meerigama and the second phase from Meerigama to Kuruegala are currently under construction. The third phase that began construction today will span from Pothuhera to Galagedara and the 4th and final phase will extend from Kurunegala to Dambulla. The third phase of the project that began construction today is estimated to take 42 months to complete the 31.7 km stretch, at 142.5 billion rupees. This section of the expressway will consist of 20 bridges, a tunnel and 4 interchanges. "Generally, these projects were handed over to foreign contractors. The government is now ready to construct these highways ourselves," speaking at the event Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said. The Prime Minister added "If we are to develop as a nation we must first develop our infrastructure facilities. We are doing that now." Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said "We are not only hoping to complete construction of the section of the highway from Meerigama to Kurunegala by the 31st of March," adding that the government hopes to complete construction of the section from Kadawatha to Meerigama within two and a half years.