A new bridge across Sri Lanka’s Mahaweli River in Kandy has been officially opened today, 6 January, 2017, by His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The Mabey Compact 200™– the world’s most widely used modular steel bridge – connects neighbouring villages Dodanwala and Halloluwa in the Central Province. With new connections to major roads, the bridge will shorten the route between the two villages by 10 kilometres, reducing travel times for commuters. The new construction will also divert local traffic away from main routes and encourage more visitors to local tourist attractions.

Providing a major boost to local communities, the bridge opening ceremony was attended by, Hon. Lakshman Kiriella, Leader of the House, Parliament of Sri Lanka and Minister of Higher Education and Highways, Hon. Dilan Perera, State Minister of Highways as well as British High Commissioner James Dauris.

Constructed under the Ministry of Higher Education and Highways’ UK Steel Bridge Project, the new bridge replaces a 75-year-old suspension pedestrian bridge with a structure fit for modern travel needs. Spanning nearly 105 metres, the bridge features a double lane carriageway and double cantilever foot walks protected by the new Mabey SmartEdge™ System.