Staff at the Byron Shire Council say they were forced to close the Tallow Creek footbridge at Suffolk Park on Friday owing to public safety risks.
Engineers inspecting the bridge have reportedly found it unsafe thanks to structural issues and termite infestation.
The council says it’s maintained the wooden bridge for nearly 38 years, since it was built in 1987, but that it’s now beyond repair and needs to be replaced.
The footbridge is a popular form of pedestrian access to the beach across Tallow Creek and is part of the path between Byron Bay High School and the Ingenia holiday park at Suffolk Park but it’s unclear when a new bridge will be built.
Grant funds needed for new bridge
Byron Shire Council Infrastructure Services Director Phil Holloway says staff are looking at the possibility of a temporary creek crossing and hope to apply for grant funding for a new bridge.
‘Staff have looked at ways to keep the existing bridge open, but the salty environment is so harsh that it is not possible,’ Mr Holloway said.
‘As soon as designs for a new footbridge are finished we will immediately be looking for grant funding for the construction of a new bridge,’ he said, ‘because it is such an important asset and link to a beautiful, peaceful part of Byron Bay’.
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