Length 25.8 km | Constructed 27 October 2013 | |
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Existed: 27 October 2013 (2013-10-27) – present History: Opened on 27 October 2013 North end: Bandaranaike International Airport and Negombo city South end: New Kelani Bridge and Colombo city | ||
Colombo - Katunayake Expressway E03 is Sri Lanka's second E Class highway. The 25.8-kilometre-long (16.0 mi) highway links the Sri Lankan capital Colombo with Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake and Negombo city. Construction on the highway began in October 2009, and it was opened on the 27th October 2013, by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. The highway has three lanes each way from Colombo to Peliyagoda, and two lanes each way from Peliyagoda to Katunayake, with the width ranging from 26 to 33.5 metres (85 to 110 ft).
Contents
Map of Colombo - Katunayake Expy, Sri Lanka
The total cost of the project is US $292 million. Exim Bank of China funded US$248.2 million of the total cost and the government of Sri Lanka spent US$45 million on the project.
The speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph) for the first eight kilometres (5.0 mi) and 100 km/h (62 mph) for the rest of the road. The Expressway has 42 bridges and 88 culverts including a 480 metre long viaduct at Hunupitiya and an 800-metre viaduct at Katunayake. The opening of the highway has allowed people to travel between Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and Katunayake, the major international airport of Sri Lanka, within 15 minutes.
The E03 expressway links the capital Colombo with one of the major commercial hubs in the country and the major tourist destination Negombo city, within 20 minutes. Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has also commenced a luxury bus service on the road, conducting services between Colombo - Negombo.
History
The contract was awarded to China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) by the Government of Sri Lanka and the agreement was signed on 17 August 2008. The project loan agreements were signed on 6 August 2009 and the construction commenced on 18 August 2009. The expressway was opened on the 27th October 2013 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Interchanges
- New Kelani Bridge Interchange
- Peliyagoda Interchange
- Kerawalapitiya Interchange (under-construction) (connect with E02 Colombo Outer Circular Expressway)
- Ja-Ela Interchange
- Katunayake Interchange
Toll Structure
The portion between New Kelani Bridge entrance (entry point from the City of Colombo) and Peliyagoda interchange is toll-free. Only the portion beyond Peliyagoda is operating as a toll road. Toll is to be paid at the Negombo toll-plaza when travelling direct from Peliyagoda, or when exiting at any toll-station mid-way.
ETC (Electronic toll collection) systems installed at all interchanges along the expressway.
For more information click here
Small Vehicles
- Peliyagoda - Ja-Ela - LKR 200
- Ja-Ela - Katunayake - LKR 200
- Peliyagoda - Katunayake - LKR 300
Large Vehicles
- Peliyagoda - Ja-Ela - LKR 300
- Ja-Ela - Katunayake - LKR 300
- Peliyagoda - Katunayake - LKR 600
Bus fares of the Private luxury service
- Colombo - Katunayake - LKR 120 (Route No. 187 E-03)
- Colombo - Negombo - LKR 120 (Route No. 240 E-03)
Bus fares of the SLTB super luxury service
- Colombo - Katunayake - LKR 120 (Route No. 187 E-03)
- Colombo - Negombo - LKR 120 (Route No. 240 E-03)