News
Expressways ready for Avurudu flow; drivers told to follow rules
View(s):More exit points are being made available temporarily on the Southern and Katunayake expressways to ease traffic congestion during the Avurudu period from Thursday to April 24.
But officials are also asking vehicle owners to do their part and be disciplined and follow the expressway rules and regualtions.
Road Development Authority, Director of Expressway Operations, Maintenance and Management, S. Opanayake told the Sunday Times that heavy traffic is expected at exit points such as Pinnaduwa, Matara, and Godagama.
He said traffic will be monitored by CCTV and exit points will be added by converting some entry points to temporary exits when necessary.
Last year, between 75,000 and 85,000 vehicles used the Southern Expressway during the Avurudu season, and the authority expects traffic to increase by 20 percent to between 100,000 and 110,000 vehicles.
Opanayake urged drivers to prepare in advance and make their toll payments quickly so that they won’t hold up those following behind. This would help reduce the chance of long lines forming at exits.
He said that there will not be congestion near the exit points around Colombo such as Kottawa and Athurugiriya because there are many exit points and alternative routes.
He also pleads that drivers not indulge their “selfie’’ habits by stopping randomly at points along their travel routes.
More importantly, he reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and urged drivers to be disciplined.