Flood-damaged sections of two pedestrian bridges across the Diamond Creek in Eltham will be removed this week.
Other structural components, such as the abutments and footings will be retained at both locations.
The bridges, next to the Susan Street Oval and near the Eltham Skate Park, were too badly damaged in the October severe weather and flooding to be repaired.
Pedestrian detours are now in place via the bridges on Bridge Street, Brougham Street or Diamond Street.
The bridge next to the Susan Street Oval will be replaced with a bridge of similar size and materials. To prevent further damage, it will be raised higher than the previous bridge, above the 10-year flood level provided by Melbourne Water. Design work to reconstruct the bridge is underway.
Nillumbik Mayor Ben Ramcharan said the bridges were unsafe and needed to be removed.
"The October floods had a significant impact on our infrastructure along the Diamond Creek, including our shared paths, bridges and open spaces," Cr Ramcharan said.
"We appreciate the bridge closures are inconvenient and frustrating for trail users and I want to reassure you that we will be working as quickly as possible to get them replaced.
Cr Ramcharan said Council would be advocating to the Victorian Government to replace the second bridge near the Eltham Skate Park as part of its recent $32.8 million election commitment to build a new shared-use path along the Hurstbridge rail line from Montmorency to Eltham, to ensure it is delivered as soon as possible.
