News
Another tragedy in the making
View(s):The 383 bridge in Thoppowa, Waikkal, in Chilaw located on the Colombo Puttalam Road is in a derelict condition.
The iron structure of the 383 bridge is badly corroded and in danger of collapsing
Story and pix by Augustin Fernando
The pavements on either side of the bridge are missing slats or they are damaged. Area residents are afraid of using the bridge claiming it is a deathtrap.
The plaque explaining that the bridge dates back to British colonial times has been stolen.
With the iron structure of the bridge badly corroded and in danger of collapsing residents fear the bridge could collapse any moment.
A “Danger” sign had been installed at the bridge warning pedestrians not to use the walkways but even this has been vandalised.
The bridge connects traffic to Kurunegala on the Puttalam road and large numbers of vehicles use it daily.
Nadeeka Waidya-sooriya, Provincial Engineer of the Road Development Authority, admitted the bridge is in bad condition. He said plans for a new structure have been finalised. The land has been identified and acquired, and construction will start in due course he said.
 The slats on the pavements used by pedestrians too are missing |  The sign warning pedestrians to keep away from the bridge has been vandalised |
 Pedestrians are caught between the devil and the deep. Walk on the main roadway and risk being knocked down or risk falling through missing slats |  The Provincial Engineer of the Road Development Authority, admitted the bridge is in bad condition |
 According to the provincial engineer "… construction will start in due course" | |