THE long-awaited Billabong Park footbridge is set to be open for pedestrians very soon.
In March 2021 parts of Gloucester were inundated by floodwaters which reached parts of the central business district, flooding several shops.
As the torrent pored through the nearby Billabong Park, the pressure of the flow destroyed the long-standing footbridge connecting the two sides of the park.
For more than four years since the flood, those wanting to walk from one side of the park to the other have had to navigate a rough and steep dirt track, making it a difficult task for the less physically able.
The new bridge, which has been constructed by local contractor Jacobs Building, has been designed to survive any future flood events.
“Future flood resilience has been considered as part of the new design which will include an aluminium truss-framed bridge with three spans,” said a MidCoast Council spokesperson.
“The new footbridge has also been designed to allow for shared pathway conditions and to provide for disability access.”
While the recent flood event delayed construction work, completion is expected by the end of June.
“Council will inform the community of completion of the project by way of social media post/release,” said the Council spokesperson.
Some further cosmetic framing will be added to the bridge after it is open to the public.
By John WATTS
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