Blind Creek footbridge in Fairpark Reserve

We’ve completed the modification works to strengthen and extend the life of the Blind Creek footbridge in Fairpark Reserve. The bridge is open and detours around the Blind Creek Trail have been removed. 

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.

We are very aware of how much the community value and use the bridge.

Since the works commenced, Melbourne Water, in partnership with Knox City Council, has worked to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.

What to expect

Temporary fencing around the laydown area will be maintained for site reinstatement works until mid October 2024 as per the map below.

Timeline