A new flood-proof bridge over Dora Creek is set to link pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Cooranbong and Morisset.
The 50m cable-stay bridge, near the former Sanitarium factory at Cooranbong, opened to the public yesterday, supplementing the nearby narrow swing bridge that has served the community for almost 90 years.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Development Assessment and Certification Amy Regado said the original bridge was only one metre wide and moved when in use, so people could not pass safely.
"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.
"The bridge has been designed to withstand significant flooding, so it should provide a safe crossing for many years to come," Ms Regado said.
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.
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