Large section of Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge closed after rising river soaks ground and trees fall

Much of a popular Murray Bridge reserve is closed because floodwaters have soaked the ground so much trees are falling. See the maps.

A large section of a popular reserve on the River Murray has been closed to ensure public safety after a number of trees started to fall over.

Sustained high river flows in Murray Bridge have saturated the ground at Sturt Reserve making a significant part of the area unsafe for public access.

Murray Bridge Council has installed temporary fences to limit access to the inundated sections of the reserve.

A large section of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge has been closed off to cars and pedestrians as the river peaks. Picture: Supplied

A large section of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge has been closed off to cars and pedestrians as the river peaks. Picture: Supplied

Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley said the water levels and saturation had now reached a point where more significant closures were required.

“Flooding brings unfamiliar dangers, that for many of us are not a part of our lived experience, and people sometimes get frustrated because the reasons for road closures are not always obvious,” he said.

The yellow section shows which parts of Sturt Reserve are closed. Picture: Supplied

Parts of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge is closed off to cars and pedestrians as the river peaks. Picture: Supplied

Fencing closing off a large section of Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge. Picture: Supplied

The southern end of Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge on December 11, where footpaths and benches were being flooded. Picture: Jo Schulz

“Oversaturation due to sustained high river flows can cause affected ground to become unstable – early warning signs like trees falling over alert us to the danger, while other unseen dangers can lurk below the surface of floodwaters such as slumping and sharp objects.”

He said the reason for their decision may not be obvious to the “untrained eye”.

“There is often a lot more going on below the surface of the water and the surrounding environment that is not always visible to the untrained eye,” he said.

“Keeping people safe remains our number one priority during this flood event – so it’s vital that people pay attention to road closure signs and follow the advice of emergency service professionals and council workers.”