Access Engineering completes first phase of Polduwa Bridge

Friday, 13 June 2014 01:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In recognition of roads, bridges and flyovers clearly supplementing national productivity and efficiency, the Road Development Authority has noted the requirement to replace the existing 36m bridge at Polduwa Junction as a top priority. Access Engineering PLC with a track record of completing numerous successful engineering projects collaborated with Mabey Bridge, a leading specialist supplier of high quality steel bridges from the United Kingdom. Access Engineering undertaking the project as the main contractor performed the tasks including investigations, surveys, designing of substructures, installation of substructures and superstructure and implementation of the finishing works of the

overall bridge. Since the opening of the first half of the bridge, the traffic plying on the Colpetty-Sri Jayawardanapura road section from Rajagiriya to Battaramulla has considerably eased. This section is considered to be a central artery serving the movement of traffic to the administrative capital city and many other connectivity roads to Colombo. The proposed multi-span composite bridge is structurally portioned out into two, North Bridge and South Bridge, and the construction proceed in two phases to minimise the disturbances caused to the traffic during the construction process. The combined bridge increases the overall bridge span from the existing 36m to 70.61m. Each bridge is composed of three structures, the main road bridge flanked on either side with a combined pedestrian, the service bridge and an architectural arch. The complete bridge with two 9.6m carriageways (six lanes), 1.2 m wide central reservation and two 0.9m wide raised shoulders will accommodate Colombo city bound traffic and the gradually intensifying traffic to and from the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, which holds the Parliament and many other administrative offices. The recently-opened South Bridge with its three-lane carriageway has already started to ease off the Colombo-bound traffic. This multi-functional highway bridge building with lighted architectural steel tube arches will also hold an architectural significance as it will collaborate with the scenic view of the banks of Diyawanna Oya and the lush greenery, peaceful environment and illuminated walkways preserved in Diyatha Uyana, the recreational opportunity facing Diyawanna Oya. The elevated soffit of the bridge from the surface of the water allows sail boats and paddle crafts to pass beneath the bridge facilitating water sporting

and sightseeing opportunities set up in Diyatha Uyana. Construction commenced on 10 August 2013 for the replacement of the existing bridge. The first phase of the project which is the South Bridge is opened for public whilst the construction of the North Bridge is in steady progress to completion by September 2014. This section has many utility lines including water and sewerage pipes to be relocated.