New Kelani Bridge nears completion & will be commissioned soon

COLOMBO (News 1st); Construction of the New Kelani Bridge has neared completion, said Highways Minister Johnston Fernando.

"98.5 percent of the construction has been completed of new Kelani Bridge, which is an engineering design known as extradosed type, which uses stay cables to connect two main pylons with the bridge deck and to share weight of the loads from the bridge deck," a statement noted.

Among the work remaining to be completed were fixing the security camera system, painting the steel cables, building the gutter system at the section connecting the entrance to the Port, illuminating the bridge, completing work in railings and exterior decoration.

The Minister instructed Secretary to the Ministry RWR Pemasiri to complete the entire project in the coming weeks as the bridge is to be commissioned next month.

He also instructed the officials to plant trees besides the road connecting the bridge with Orugodawatte Junction.

An underground pipe system would also be laid to provide water to the trees.