This alternative route costing Rs 1,000 million commenced on President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s directive as a solution to traffic congestion in the Kegalle town, he said. “The first stage of this alternative road is 1.3kms in length and 12metres wide.

The stretch from Ranwala junction to Welimannatota has already been carpeted. Rs 200 million was spent under the first stage. A new bridge for Welimannatota will be constructed at a cost of Rs 600 million,” he said.

The second stage will see 0.8kms of road constructed. The second stage will start from the clock tower at Welimannatota, the spokesman said.

The government will spend Rs 1,000 million for the construction of the alternative road.