The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Lanka. This is one of the most popular must-see place that who visit Ella. The nine arch bridge is also known as the “Bridge in the Sky”. The bridge and its rails are inclined at an angle of 1:44. Also, the bridge is designed with a bend. The rail has a curve of 9 degrees and the distance between the two arches is 30 feet.
The bridge is built on the muddy ground between two hills. The base of the site is reinforced with nine arches supported by 10 large towers. In the middle of those big towers, there is a big circular gap each one. According to reports, the foundations of the bridge were made of deep-pitted pits of kabok, graphite, and a mixture of concrete. Also, planks and timber required for the use of scaffolding and arches during the construction of the bridge have been imported from Burma. The nine-arched bridge was not built of stone. For this purpose, a 3: 2: 1 ratio of cement, sand, and stone mixed concrete is used for the molds. The stones are lined with cement.
The structure of the Nine Arches Bridge was designed by the British engineer H.R. Marwood. That can be seen in the history of Ceylon Railways. Sources say that work on the bridge began in 1913-1917 and was completed in 1919. Sri Lankan engineers such as D.J. Wimalasurendra have also been involved in the construction of the Nine Arches Bridge. The Demodara Arch Nine Railway Bridge is located between Ella and Demodara Railway Stations. This nine-arched railway bridge is located on the Kandyan Railway 169 3/4 miles from Colombo. This place is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka.