Its predecessor was narrow and when in use it would swing about precariously.
Just one-metre wide, it was designed to be used one person at a time.
However, all that changed last week when a new flood-proof bridge over Dora Creek was opened.
Linking pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Cooranbong and Morisset, the new structure, located near the former Sanitarium factory at Cooranbong, will allow a safer passage well into the future.
It accompanies the nearby Cooranbong swing bridge – an icon for tourists and locals alike.
Lake Macquarie City Council manager development assessment and certification Amy Regado says pedestrians can feel safer on the new Dora Creek crossing.
“The purpose of the new bridge is to allow users of the shared path from Cooranbong to Morisset to safely pass over Dora Creek,” she said.
“It’s 3.5m wide, with 2.8m of clear width, which allows for two-way pedestrian movement.”
The $1.6 million bridge and shared path leading to the structure from both directions was funded by developer Johnson Property Group as part of the North Cooranbong Voluntary Planning Agreement.
It has been designed to withstand significant flooding.
The project included use of a product known as FiltaPave, used in place of concrete where tree roots were present at ground level.
“This means trees close to the structure were retained rather than removed,” Ms Regado said.
The new bridge forms part of a 13km walking and cycling route connecting the city’s growing south-west communities.
In November 2022 Lake Macquarie City Council published a fold-out map detailing cycling opportunities within the LGA.
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