We’ve completed the modification works to strengthen and extend the life of the Blind Creek footbridge in Fairpark Reserve.
The footbridge was built as part of the Reimagining Blind Creek project, from Scoresby Road to Manuka Drive in Boronia and Ferntree Gully, which was completed in mid-2021. The project included 'daylighting' and naturalising a 650-metre section of Blind Creek which was previously an underground, low-flow pipe with a grassed high-flow channel. The project also included the construction of community infrastructure assets such as shared paths, viewing platforms, stepping stones and a footbridge over Blind Creek. The project was jointly funded between Melbourne Water and Knox City Council.
In 2023, we became aware that there were some concerns with the bridge, and we commissioned an independent assessment which identified the need for some additional works to further strengthen it, and to extend the life of the asset. As soon as this advice was received, we closed the bridge as a precaution and in the best interests of public safety, so that we could determine the next steps.
In 2024, we made modifications to the bridge to make it safe for public use in the short term, and we did this so that the bridge could be re-opened as quickly as possible.
The modification works were a temporary solution until a new permanent bridge can be designed and built.
We are working closely with Knox City Council on plans for longer term arrangements of the bridge, and we’ll keep you updated with this next stage.
Thank you for your continued patience and co-operation.