Sri Lanka’s first fee-levying highway from Kottawa to Galle is part of an ambitious project to connect Bandaranaike International Airport with Mattala Airport in Hambantota, now under construction, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.
The first phase of the highway which has been fully constructed, will be ceremonially opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 27, and will cut present travel time between Colombo and Galle by at least one-and-a-half hours.
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| Toll gates at the start of the expressway in Kottawa (above) and (below) Galle, where the expressway ends. Pix by Susantha Liyanawatte |
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The next 30-kilometre phase which is to end by 2013, will extend the highway from Galle to Matara, while the third stage will take it from Matara to Mattala Airport in Hambantota, the Minister said. Government surveyors have already begun to survey the land from Matara to Hambantota, to acquire land for the highway, which would be a six-lane road.
Running parallel to the southern highway extension will be the construction of the highway from Katunayake to Kottawa via Kerawalapitiya.
The southern highway so far has cost US$ 700 million, while the phase up to Matara will cost US$ 300 million.
“This highway connecting the Western Province with the Southern Province will be particularly useful for tourists who will save many hours on the road,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, journalists were taken on a tour of the southern highway last week, to familiarise them with the toll system, as well as the new traffic rules that would be in place on the highway.
Southern Highway Operations Director B.T.K. Bandara said that a special unit of traffic police of 500 personnel will be deployed exclusively to ensure that traffic rules are adhered to by motorists, as well as advise them on the safe use of the highway.
Pedestrians will be strictly prohibited from entering the highway, while those who do so will be fined Rs. 5,000.
In case of breakdown of vehicles, a police patrol will be available to assist the unfortunate motorists. Six ambulances, three fire brigade engines and nine police cars and motorcycles have been assigned to the highway. The ambulances have been fitted with modern emergency equipment to assist those in need. The road has been lined with CC cameras to monitor traffic.
The entry/exit points are at the interchanges at Pinnaduwa, Kottawa and Gelanigama, and the emergency number to call is 1969 for prompt assistance.
The maximum one-way toll from Kottawa to Pinnaduwa will be Rs. 2,000, while the minimum will be Rs.400, the rate changing depending on the entry and exit points to the highway.
No billboards will be allowed on the highway, as they would distract drivers which could lead to accidents. Litter thrown from moving vehicles too will be strictly monitored and offenders fined.
The motorists will be required to travel with their shutters closed at all times, while the seat belt rule too will be strictly enforced.
In case a vehicle stalls on the road, motorists are advised to switch on their hazard lights and call the emergency number, following which a breakdown vehicle patrolling the road 24-hours, will arrive promptly. A 1.7 metre lane has been designated on the side of the road for motorists to pull over in case of an emergency.
All road signs have been clearly displayed overhead in all three languages for the convenience of motorists. Overtaking is to be from the right hand side, while the maximum speed on the highway is 100 km/hr. Those exceeding the speed limit will be charged for violation.
One filling station is situated along the highway, which is also a place for motorists to take a break. It consists of a few shops and toilet facilities.
Road Development Authority (RDA), Chairman R.W.R. Premasiri said the road has been constructed by local engineers and can be used without any repairs for 20 years.
“We have the capacity to extend this dual two-lane highway to three lanes, if the need arises,” he added.
Motorists entering the highway will be given a leaflet with instructions to be followed by the drivers, he said.
Mr. Premasiri said that a similar highway is planned between Kottawa and Kandy, and would commence as soon as funding can be organised.
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