A bridge constructed across the Pataragitti stream in 2002, near Ratnapur village in the taluk collapsed on Monday afternoon, cutting off connectivity between Vijayapura district and Belagavi through Athani.
The incident occurred at around 1.30 pm, when a lorry passed the bridge. But no one was injured in the incident.
Vehicles are being diverted through an alternative route via Tikota. Deputy Commissioner S B Shettennavar said the bridge may have collapsed due to sub-standard work or faulty design.