Access Engineering commences work on major projects of National Road Network

Construction of Major Bridge Project of the National Road Network in progress

The construction work of three major bridges – Bridge No. 4/1  No. 10 at Denagama/Hakmana on Hakmana-Meella-Talahaganwaduwa Road, Bridge No. 15/2 across Kihimbi Ela on Galle-Baddegama Road, Bridge No. 116/1 at Wellamadama on Colombo-Galle-Hambantota-Wellawaya Road – is proceeding in full swing as scheduled by Access Engineering PLC.

Access Engineering PLC, keeping abreast of the national objective towards improving the national road network and thereby contributing towards the economic development in Sri Lanka is constructing three major bridges under the Package 1 of Major Bridges Construction project of the National Road Network. The project which is implemented by Road Development Authority with the financial assistance from Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) aims to construct 37 major road bridges across the country. 

The main contractor of the project is Wakachiku Construction Company Ltd. (Japan) and the construction of the three bridges was subcontracted to Access Engineering PLC. All the three projects being executed by Access Engineering PLC, are located on the major national roads in Southern Province which serve as feeder roads to the Southern Expressway (E01) which was commissioned up to Matara and is subject to extend from Matara to Hambantota. Once completed, the bridges will help strengthen the mobility between the major commercial centers; Matara, Tangalle and Hambantota and within the region. 

The scope of the project includes construction of a 90m long bridge with 3.7m wide two-lane carriageways at Deanagama/Hakmana, construction of 57m long bridge with 3.7m wide two-lane carriageway across Kihimbi Ela and construction of 19m long bridge with 3.5m wide four-lane carriageway at Wellamadama. All three bridges will be built with 1.5m wide foot walks on either side allowing easy mobility for pedestrians as well as motorists. Construction of pile foundation, abutments, piers, girders and bridge decks including all appurtenant structures are undertaken by Access Engineering at each bridge site.

“As part of the project requires working in water, the team will have to set measures to work on dry environments such as cofferdams. And the inconsistent water levels will make the work quiet challenging. However, while the bridges are being completed by February 2017, the surrounding road geometry will be improved to ensure reduced travel time with in the region,” said W.R.P. Chandimal Kumara, Project Manager of the construction of major projects of the National Road Network.