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Central Expressway E04 Section in Oct-Nov

02 Aug 2021

  • Delay due to issue with contractor
  • 40 km from Mirigama to Kurunegala in 25 mins
BY Dinitha Rathnayake The Mirigama-Kurunegala Section of the Central Expressway (E04) is to be opened towards the end of October or early November this year, according to the Road Development Authority (RDA). Speaking to The Morning, RDA Director General L.V.S. Weerakoon said the opening of this particular section was delayed due to an issue with the contractor. “We were able to solve these issues and we are hoping to open this section towards the end of October or the beginning of November,” he reiterated. This opening would make it possible to travel the approximately 39.7 km distance between the two points within 25 minutes. Speaking to The Morning, Secretary to the Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Pemasiri earlier said that the section is nearing completion and will be opened for the public in May. “This would be very convenient for those who travel to Kandy, Kurunegala, and Dambulla. The entrance would be in Mirigama (a town in the Gampaha District) and the exit would be in Kurunegala, and the distance could be travelled within 25 minutes,” he said. The E04 project would link Colombo to Kandy. The Central Expressway Project has been divided into four sections: Section 1 from Kadawatha to Mirigama is approximately 37 km, Section 2 from Mirigama to Kurunegala is approximately 39.7 km while the stretch from Mirigama to Ambepussa is approximately 9.1 km, Section 3 from Pothuhera to Galagedara is approximately 32.5 km, and Section 4 from Kurunegala to Dambulla is approximately 60.3 km. According to Pemasiri, the entire project would be completed in three years. The proposed expressway network is expected to interconnect most of the regions in the country, including the North and the East. It will also enhance the ease of access to tourist destinations, reduce travel times, and improve fuel efficiency. The total cost of the expressway is estimated at approximately Rs. 200 billion.


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