One-way road chaos in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is now heading into one-way street systems as in other congested cities of the world.
In most countries there is much planning and trials performed electronically by use of GPS and Satellite to follow traffic movements prior to implementation of one way systems and installation of Colour Light Traffic Control Systems on the timing of Stop/Go during peak and non-peak hours. Studies are done continuously for 24 hours for a minimum of seven days prior to decisions being taken on timing. In this country colour light systems have to be manned by uniformed law enforcement officers during rush hours. There is no respect or regard for no-stopping yellow boxes painted at various locations. Most drivers and riders are unaware of the meaning and purpose of the yellow box or stopping on pedestrian crossings obstructing crossing.
Traffic build up in Borella. Pic by Hasitha Kulasekera
Law enforcement ignores offenders
The Galle Road in the recent past has been converted into a one-way system from Bambalapitiya to Kollupitiya. This is temporarily successful.
All businesses along Galle Road which have been in operation for centuries along this principal north-south main road are suffering due to this one-way system. Some business houses have been compelled to close or turnover has reduced to an extent that very soon they will be compelled to go out of business.
Those travelling by public transport which is about 70 – 80 per cent of the travelling public have been greatly inconvenienced having to move between Galle road and Duplication road to travel back and forth.
The more sensible option would have been to maintain Galle road as a north-south link road for public transport, three wheelers, motor cycles with a centre divider and right turn only at designated points to connect to Marine Drive and Duplication road. By this system those using public transport need not walk between Galle road and Duplication road to travel back and forth.
Convert Marine Drive as a one-way to Colombo and Duplication road as one-way heading south. Three wheelers and motor cycles should be prevented long distance travel on Marine Drive and Duplication road.
Marine Drive should be a 4-lane fast track to Colombo. The right lane will be only for vehicles turning right and Duplication road will be a 4-lane fast track south with a facility to turn left or right.
If parking is to be allowed on Marine Drive, it could be restricted to the right side of the road as there are restaurants and business houses. Parking should be allowed on Duplication road utilizing odd and even days of the week to enable a minimum of three lanes to be utilized all the time. Narrow pedestrian walk-ways will be required on Duplication road but no walk-ways would be required on Marine Drive. Parking should not be allowed on Marine Drive from 0700 – 0900 and Duplication road from 1700 – 1900 hours.
Also suggested is a bicycle lane heading south/north on Marine Drive on the rail track side to encourage people to utilize a healthy mode of transport. Most countries have bicycle lanes in cities. This country has none. Riding a bicycle on the sea side up or down can be done with convenience as there will be no obstructions by parked vehicles.
Bus stops, pedestrians
and others
It is still not too late to implement this suggestion prior to spending more public funds in making Galle road one-way from Lester James Peiris Mawatha to Bambalapitiya.
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