Road and bridge recovery after cyclone could take up to two years: RDA

By Charithya Kumarasiri   

Recovery efforts for roads and bridges damaged by Cyclone Ditwah are expected to take up to two years in some areas, particularly in the Central and Uva Provinces, due to challenging terrain and landslide risks, Road Development Authority (RDA) Director General K.W.Kandambi said.   

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Kandambi said that slope protection and stabilisation measures are being implemented to ensure long-term safety.   

“A total of 316 roads, spanning approximately 1,450 kilometres, were damaged by the cyclone. Of these, 303 roads have been made passable through recovery work and temporary restoration measures, while work continues on the remaining 13 roads,” he said.   

He added that 40 bridges sustained varying degrees of damage, with 23 now restored and reopened to traffic. The remaining bridges, severely damaged, require complete reconstruction. In the interim, Bailey bridges have been installed to maintain traffic flow.   

The RDA has introduced both mid-term and long-term restoration plans. Mid-term restoration of moderately damaged roads is expected to be completed within four months, while long-term reconstruction of fully damaged infrastructure could take up to 18 months.