Experts of the University of Moratuwa commissioned by the Ministry of Highways have completed a feasibility study for the construction of the planned extension of the Marine Drive from Station Road in Dehiwela to Panadura, Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando said.
Issuing a statement, the Minister said that the construction work of the extension with a length of 17 km from Dehiwela to Panadura would be commenced immediately.
It has been estimated that the project would cost Rs.38 billion. A sum of Rs. 21 billion has been allocated to be paid as compensation for those who lose their lands and property because of the construction of a new stretch of road on Marine Drive.
The Marine Drive has been identified as the main alternative solution to minimize the traffic congestion on the Colombo-Galle Highway and the project has been completed in six stages, Minister Fernando said.
He said the following stages of the Marine Drive have been completed:
- From Ramakrishna Road to Melbourne Avenue
- Melbourne Avenue to Glen Arbour Place
- Glen Arbour Place to Colpetty Station Road
- Ramakrishna Road to Frazer Avenue
- Colpetty Station Road to Ranmuthu Hotel
- Frazer Avenue to the Dehiwela Station Road
(NewsWire)
Marine Drive extension from Dehiwela to Steuart Place in Colpetty : Update from Highways ministry