The Tallow Creek footbridge open is again, after Byron Shire Council say they ‘temporarily strengthened the existing structure to make it safe for public use’.
They said in a media release, ‘The footbridge was closed in August after inspections showed it was structurally unsound and infested with termites’.
‘The footbridge, which was built in 1987, is extremely important to locals and an important pedestrian connection between Suffolk Park and Byron Bay,’ Christopher Soulsby, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said.
‘Unfortunately, despite regular maintenance and repairs, the harsh environment took its toll on the bridge and for public safety it was necessary to close it four months ago,’ Mr Soulsby said.
‘We will have to build a new bridge, and while planning is underway, approval for a new bridge and construction is more than 12 months away so we had to come up with an interim solution for the community,’ he said.
This week Council contractors strengthened the piers and installed a new girder to make the bridge safe for pedestrians.
‘This is only a temporary solution while we design and build a new bridge, but it means that people will once again be able get to and from school, work and the beach safely,’ Mr Soulsby said.
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