Mannar Bridge and Causeway opened - March 18, 2010

President Rajapaksa has declared open the new Mannar Bridge and Causeway connecting the Mannar Island with the mainland. It was built at a cost of 2,460 million rupees.

Around 41,000 people in the Mannar Island will directly benefit. It will improve market approachability and facilitate transportation at a low cost. The Japan International Cooperation Agency funded the construction of the new Bridge and Causeway which is one of the most important projects in the country. It would contribute to achieving notable economic and social development in the Northern region in the near future.
The President said the new Bridge spanning 157.1 metres in length and 10.4 metres in width has been constructed with two lanes of carriageway and sidewalks on the Medawachchiya-Mannar-Thalaimannar A-14 Road. The Causeway has been extended up to 3.14 km in length and 11 metres width comprising two lanes of carriageway.

The Road Development Authority under the supervision of the Highways and Road Development Ministry has implemented the Project. The existing Bridge and Causeway which connect the Mannar Island and the mainland were constructed in 1930s with a single lane which is narrow in width. It was the only access road to the Mannar Island from the mainland. This bridge which was damaged due to a terrorist bomb blast in 1990 was restored with a temporary steel bailey bridge which was restricted for heavy vehicles of over 10 tons.

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