Iconic Boambee Creek footbridge set to be totally replaced, City of Coffs Harbour reveals

An iconic Coffs Coast bridge which has seen better days - but become an Instagram hot spot nonetheless - has finally been given the green light for a much-needed overhaul. Here’s the details.

A refurbishment of the landmark Boambee Creek footbridge is set to go ahead. Picture: Chris Knight/Coffs Coast Advocate

An iconic Coffs Coast footbridge which has seen better days, but become an Instagram hot spot nonetheless, has finally been given the green light for a much-needed overhaul.

The run-down Boambee Creek footbridge provides residents and tourists access from Sawtell to the southern end of Boambee Beach.

In April last year, it was reported City of Coffs Harbour won Federal government funding for a refurbishment of the bridge which makes quite a racket inside when trains pass.

Boambee Creek Reserve, snapped by Tammy Osborne.

But money had to be spent in the financial year, so other projects took priority at the time.

The bridge is also a link to one of the regional city’s few designated off-leash dog exercise spots.

A plan has been endorsed by the council to totally replace the ageing infrastructure.

The City investigated work including replacement of wind bracing, and some pier supports, roof sheeting and stringers. It’s anticipated the work could extend the life of the iconic footbridge by some 10-15 years.

In the end, an alternative proposal to completely replace and fabricate a new bridge offsite was identified as a better value option.

Boambee Creek and the bridge. Picture: City of Coffs Harbour

The old bridge will be removed and the new structure galvanised members with fibre-reinforced plastic decking will be installed. The new footbridge is expected to endure 25-35 years.

Mayor Paul Amos said the new build presented “the best option for ratepayers and it will provide an access path to and from Boambee Beach for many years to come.”

“The footbridge is an important community asset, and one that is treasured by both residents and visitors to this beautiful spot,” he said.

Walking across the bridge. Picture: Chris Knight/Coffs Coast Advocate

At its February 8 meeting, the council ticked off a proposal to enter into an agreement with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to replace the bridge.

It sits in the rail corridor and it’s intended that an ARTC-accredited contractor would undertake work within a budgeted allowance of $657,373.

City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said: “ARTC’s current preferred structures contractor is scheduled to undertake work commencing February 2024 on its own infrastructure, so the City can dovetail the footbridge replacement into that window of opportunity.”