A1 highway (Sri Lanka)

Coordinates: 6°58′39″N 79°55′35″E / 6.977376°N 79.926374°E / 6.977376; 79.926374
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
A1 highway
Route information
Part of Asian Highway AH43
Maintained by the Road Development Authority
Length115.85 km (71.99 mi)
Existed1820–present
Major junctions
West endColombo
East endKandy
Location
CountrySri Lanka
Major citiesKegalle,
Highway system
  • Roads in Sri Lanka

The A1 road (commonly known as the Colombo - Kandy Road or just the Kandy Road) is an A-Grade trunk road in Sri Lanka. It connects the capital city of Colombo with Kandy.[1]

History

Commonly known as the Kandy Road, the A1 was the first modern highway in the island. Construction began in 1820 under the orders of the

Major Thomas Skinner. In the memory of Captain Dawson, the Dawson Tower was erected at Kadugannawa in the Kadugannawa Pass
.

Route

The A1 highway begins at

to reach Kandy.

Images

Here are some photos of A1 Highway and notable places found along it.

Highway museum complex at Kiribathkumbura on A1 Highway
A1 road near Dawson Tower in Kadugannawa town early 1900s .
1820s rock piercing in Kadugannawa Pass.
Kadugannawa Ambalama, a historic wayside rest from 18th century.

References

  1. ^ "National Highways (Class A, B & E Roads)". Road Development Authority. Road Development Authority (Sri Lanka). Retrieved 2024-02-04.

6°58′39″N 79°55′35″E / 6.977376°N 79.926374°E / 6.977376; 79.926374