The Sangupiddi Bridge, constructed approximately 13 years ago at a cost of over Rs. 1 billion, is now off-limits to heavy vehicles due to concerns over its structural integrity. This announcement was made by the regional office of the Road Development Authority (RDA), citing poor maintenance and substandard construction quality.
Inaugurated in January 2011 by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the bridge serves as a crucial land link connecting three districts in the Northern Province along the A32 road. The RDA’s Northern Office declared that heavy vehicle traffic would be temporarily restricted effective immediately, following the discovery of corrosion in the bridge’s deck plates.
To ensure public safety and prevent further damage until necessary repairs can be made, the RDA has taken this precautionary measure. Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the bridge’s construction quality, raising suspicions about possible irregularities in its maintenance. Concerns over the bridge’s safety underscore the need for thorough investigations into both its original construction and ongoing upkeep.
