Norton Bridge–Sri Pada Route closed for 10 days over bridge collapse risk

The closure, effective from today (June 14) until June 24, comes after engineers flagged a bridge in the Lonach–Atlas area as critically unsafe. The structure, spanning a canal that feeds into the Kelani River, has reportedly been deteriorating for years and is now deemed at risk of imminent collapse.

In response, authorities will begin construction of a new bridge. In the meantime, motorists traveling from Colombo are advised to use the Kalugala–Polpitiya–Lakshapana–Norton Bridge route or the Hatton–Norton Bridge route as alternatives.

Local residents say the bridge has shown signs of structural damage for the past four years, with repeated calls for repairs finally prompting emergency action.