The police diverted traffic away from a bridge on the Ghataprabha river.

The police diverted traffic away from a bridge on the Ghataprabha river after one of its columns partially collapsed in Ghataprabha village in Belagavi district on February 18.

The bridge was built around 70 years ago, on the right bank canal of the river near the Seva Dal premises on the outskirts of the village on the Saneshwar-Gokak road. The column under the bridge, a stone masonry structure that upholds the concrete structure, suffered damage and began collapsing. Commuters informed the police, and the officials diverted the traffic by the morning of February 18. The police have put up barricades at the two ends of the road leading to the bridge.

Meanwhile, irrigation officials stopped water flow into the canal. They told reporters in Golak on February 18 that the situation will be assessed and repair works will begin soon. A joint inspection will be held along with Public Works Department officers.

A proposal for a new bridge will also be considered, they said.