February 16, 2024: In a recent announcement, the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, revealed plans to alleviate traffic congestion on the Kotte, Buthgamuwa Road within the next three months. The declaration was made during the Minister’s special inspection of the narrow bridge situated between Rajagiriya Kotuwegoda and Buthgamuwa, a notorious bottleneck causing daily traffic chaos.
Dr. Gunawardhana highlighted the severe congestion experienced by commuters entering and leaving Colombo during peak morning and evening hours, attributing it to the restricted capacity of the existing bridge. In response to the issue, the Minister directed relevant authorities to expedite the construction of a temporary bridge within the next three months, utilizing resources from the State Development and Construction Corporation, including recycled iron.
This interim measure aims to provide immediate relief to the ongoing traffic issues while plans are underway to either widen the existing bridge or construct a new one at the problematic location. The Minister’s proactive approach underscores the commitment to address the pressing concerns of the public and enhance the overall transportation experience in the region.
