News
Bridge expansion halted
View(s):Work on expanding the bridge between the Galle train station and the main bus terminal has been halted since the discovery of stone inscriptions indicating the bridge was constructed during the Dutch colonial period, making it an archeological monument.
Story and Pix by Sirangika Lokukaravita
Prior to the discovery, work commenced earlier this year to add an extra lane to the left of the bridge.
However work on construction of an extra lane to the left of the bridge was halted when workers removing telecommunication cables discovered a stone inscription bearing the legend 1768.
Subsequently a second inscription with the year 1858 was also discovered.
It is speculated that the bridge had been originally built by the Dutch in 1768 and later expanded by the British in 1858.
Until such time as the Department of Archeology completes its investigations, work on the bridge has been temporarily halted, leading to traffic congestions and inconvenience to the public.
Workers discovered stone inscription bearing the legend 1768 while removing telecommunication cables
Another inscription bearing the date 1858 was subsequently discovered
Work to construct an extra lane to the bridge has now been halted
Personnel from the Department of Archeology studying archieved plans
Pedestrians are severely inconvenienced by the present impasse