Bridges and flyovers

There are ample justifiable reasons to construct concrete bridges and flyovers instead of steel bridges and flyovers. Of course the recently installed three steel bridges were completed within a few months unlike concrete bridges or flyovers requiring many more months.

Yet, during period the Dehiwela steel bridge was installed, heavy traffic had to be diverted through Attidiya, Pepiliyana and Kohuwala creating immense problems to the motorists and to those living in those areas. But when the two concrete bridges at Kalutara and other places were constructed traffic was not diverted as one half of the old bridge was used for traffic.

The Dehiwela flyover has cost the country Rs.920 mn, the Nugegoda flyover Rs.878 mn and Kelaniya flyover Rs.2.1 bn. The British Government may have funded same, but unless it is an outright grant the taxpayer has to pay back, perhaps with interest — a drain on our hard earned foreign exchange.

There are many reasons to reconsider the installation of steel flyovers, though construction of concrete flyovers would take a long time to complete. The steel flyovers could be even old flyovers; removed from other countries, reconditioned and sold to us.  The writer could recall the period the old steel bridges in Kalutara and Bentara were frequently repaired, in addition requiring periodical application of anti corrosion paints, steel girder replacement all resulting in traffic congestion.

But with the construction of the Kalutara concrete bridges other than a few occasional maintenance costs major repairs are not required. Dr. A.N.S. Kulasinghe pioneered the construction of concrete bridges and as a tribute to him concrete flyovers should be built. The present government in recognition of his services accorded him a state funeral appreciated by many worthies.

But for the steel flyovers and bridges, periodical servicing of joints, nut and bolts will be costly and in a few years new parts may be required to replace worn-out parts which have to be imported from the company that installed the flyover and perhaps fixing will have to be given to the same company. Most material required for concrete bridges are locally available. Sri Lankan cement could be used and will help to increase local production providing additional employment opportunities.

Amor Patriae