The Nine Arch Bridge, a prominent landmark in Ella, Sri Lanka, is a marvel of colonial-era engineering. It's a viaduct built between the Ella and Demodara railway stations, renowned for its striking nine arches. The bridge is made entirely of brick, rock, and cement, without any steel, a testament to the engineering prowess of its time, according to Lakpura.
The bridge, also known as "Demodara Bridge" or "Bridge in the Sky," spans 91 meters (300 feet) in length and 24 meters (80 feet) in height, with a width of 7.62 meters (25 feet). It is positioned between the railway stations and is surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty mountains, offering stunning views to those who traverse it. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, with many visiting to admire its architecture and capture the picturesque scenery.
The bridge was completed in 1921 and was designed by P. M. Sirimanna, a civil engineer, according to The Portuguese Traveler. It showcases an ingenious engineering solution, using concrete cornice blocks for arch support and locally produced sand-cement blocks for facing, as described by Wikipedia.
A local legend suggests that when construction work on the bridge began, the steel intended for the project was diverted to World War I, and the bridge was ultimately built with local materials instead. Despite the challenges, the bridge stands strong today, a resilient symbol of engineering ingenuity and a favorite spot for tourists and photographers alike.
The bridge, also known as "Demodara Bridge" or "Bridge in the Sky," spans 91 meters (300 feet) in length and 24 meters (80 feet) in height, with a width of 7.62 meters (25 feet). It is positioned between the railway stations and is surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty mountains, offering stunning views to those who traverse it. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, with many visiting to admire its architecture and capture the picturesque scenery.
The bridge was completed in 1921 and was designed by P. M. Sirimanna, a civil engineer, according to The Portuguese Traveler. It showcases an ingenious engineering solution, using concrete cornice blocks for arch support and locally produced sand-cement blocks for facing, as described by Wikipedia.
A local legend suggests that when construction work on the bridge began, the steel intended for the project was diverted to World War I, and the bridge was ultimately built with local materials instead. Despite the challenges, the bridge stands strong today, a resilient symbol of engineering ingenuity and a favorite spot for tourists and photographers alike.
