The construction of the Marine Drive section adjacent to the US Embassy in Kollupitiya would be resumed in January next year as security concerns have been resolved, Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said yesterday. After inspecting the site, Minister Fernando said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to expedite the construction of the section of the Marine Drive from the Kollupitiya Railway Station to the Colombo Fort. “The construction of the 300 meter section from the Kollupitiya Railway Station to the US Embassy was halted due to security concerns. After a discussion with the Embassy officials today, we were able to resolve the issue. We plan to resume construction of the section near the US Embassy after January 10, 2021. “I directed the Project Director to complete the construction of the section between the US Embassy and the Kollupitiya Railway Station within 55 days and the 300 meter section adjacent to the US Embassy premises within 60 days. “We hope to extend this route from Wellawatte to Dehiwala and from Dehiwala to Panadura in the future. The foremost task of our Government is to expedite the completion of all development projects which are currently being carried out at a slow pace. Therefore, from January next year, we will resume the construction of this road,”