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New traffic plan for Colombo to ease morning rush hour
View(s):A new traffic plan will be implemented in some parts of Colombo and its suburbs from tomorrow between 7.30 a.m. and 8.45 a.m. to ease traffic congestion, a senior official said. Police Traffic Chief Amarasiri Senaratne said the plan was largely aimed at easing the morning hour traffic congestion in Battaramulla, Maharagama and Borella.
Yesterday’s trial run of the new one-way traffic plan on Kollupitiya-Sri Jayewardenepura Road. Pic by Indika Handuwala
DIG Senaratne said the Police had identified the stretch from Welikada Junction to Devi Balika Vidyalaya junction on the Kollupitiya-Sri Jayewardenepura Road as the most congested stretch and they hoped the new plan would help ease the traffic jams. According to the new plan, which was tried out yesterday, vehicles travelling from Borella towards Parliament will be diverted through Cotta Road while vehicles coming from Battaramulla to Colombo will proceed along the Kollupitiya-Sri Jayawardenepura Road.
All four lanes from Devi Balika Vidyalaya to Horton Place Roundabout (Near Nelum Pokuna ) will be made one way under the plan. Vehicles coming from Kollupitiya towards Parliament will be diverted at the Horton Place Roundabout towards the Nanda Motors Junction, from where they will be instructed to proceed along Independence Square, Maitland Crescent, Gregory’s Road and Kynsey Road. From Kynsey road, vehicles will be diverted to the Kanatte Roundabout, Old Bullers Road and then to Devi Balika Junction.
Motorists travelling along Nawala Road to Battaramulla are advised to use the Sri Jayewardenepura Road and then turn right towards Sarana Road (The Elections Department Road) and then enter Cotta Road and proceed towards Battaramulla.
At Maharagama, four lanes of Highlevel Road will be opened for vehicles going towards Colombo and two lanes for vehicles proceeding towards Avissawella.
DIG Senaratne said that one lane would be assigned for vehicular movement from the Maharagama main bus depot through Highlevel Road to the Old Road. Motorists who want to proceed to Dehiwela can use the Clock Tower junction to reach Dehiwala Road. All buses during this morning rush hour period will be diverted towards the temporary bus stand.