Second phase to open in July

The second phase of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala is scheduled to be opened to the public in July.

A spokesman from the Road Development Authority said the second phase of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala is 39.9 km long and will have four lanes divided two ways, with interchanges in Mirigama, Nakalagama, Dambokka, and Kurunegala.

The project launched in January 2017 at a cost of Rs.160.8 billion will afford motorists expressway access from Colombo to Kandy and Dambulla.

According to the spokesman, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a phase of an expressway is being constructed by local contractors.

The first phase consisting of 37.3 km from Kadawatha to Mirigama will be constructed by a Chinese firm, while the third phase consisting of 34.1 km from Pothuhera to Galagedara will be constructed with Japanese funding. Phase Four consisting of 63.8 km will be constructed by a Chinese company.