Friday, 5 September 2014 00:32
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Polduwa Bridge, the multi-span composite bridge across the Diyawanna Oya, will be opened today by President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the construction undertaken by Access Engineering PLC completed three full months ahead of schedule, the company said yesterday.
The multi-span composite bridge, which consists of two 9.6m carriageways (six lanes), 1.2 m wide central reservation and two pedestrian walkways, accommodates Colombo city bound traffic and the gradually intensifying traffic to and from the administrative capital Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which holds the Parliament and many other administrative offices.
Access Engineering PLC with a track record of completing numerous successful engineering projects joined hands with Mabey Bridge, a leading specialist supplier of high quality steel bridges from the United Kingdom, in undertaking the designing and construction of this national project. which was implemented by the Road Development Authority under the Ministry of Highways, Ports and Shipping.
The new bridge, which has increased the overall bridge span from the existing 36m to 71.0m, was constructed in two phases to minimise the disturbances occurring to the traffic plying on this section of the road which is considered a central artery serving the movement of traffic to the administrative capital city and many other connectivity roads to Colombo.
The steel tubular arches, the key feature of the bridge, hold architectural significance as they collaborate with the scenic view of the banks of Diywanna Oya, the lush greenery and the peaceful environment and illuminated walkways preserved in Diyatha Uyana, the recreational opportunity facing Diyawanna Oya.
The project owes much of its success in speedy execution to Access Engineering PLC and Mabey Bridge for the turnkey bridge construction, the extraordinary 24/7 exertion and for the excessive off-site work performed to expedite the construction while minimising the disruptions and inconveniences occurring to the nearby residents and motorists.
“We at Access Engineering PLC are pleased to be involved in the design and construction of this distinguished landmark project that enhances the surrounding landscape and add value to the communities it connects. The project was commenced on August 2013, and we are glad that we could successfully complete the construction three months ahead of December 2014, the scheduled end date for the project,” said Saman Jayasingharachchi, Project Manager of the Construction Project of Polduwa Bridge.
“Further, we would also like to appreciate the continuous support extended by numerous parties including the Ministry of Highways, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, the Road Development Authority, all utility relocation agencies including the National Water Supply & Drainage Board, the Ceylon Electricity Board, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Police, Armed Services personnel and the general public for their support, patience and commitment in executing this project and ensuring the safety throughout the construction process. Their support and cooperation helped us to expedite the construction process and deliver the project three months ahead of schedule,” he added.
