The Footbridge in Lakes Entrance is iconic, and a very necessary structure in order to gain access to the Main Beach. It was for years a wooden and steel structure made, I am told, from some of the old rail/tram lines in Melbourne.
Time came when a new bridge was well overdue, and so the current "Footbridge" was built. We all still call it a footbridge even though small trucks can now access to Main Beach from this modern replacement.
So the time came for the footbridge to go and a replacement built. It had lasted since 1937 and at least on one occasion, been struck by lightning.
The building of the new bridge was achieved alongside the old structure to maintain access. It made for a great viewing platform, and a small length of the old bridge was left as a reminder.
Opening day, a great event for Lakes Entrance, the first time vehicles of any size could directly cross to the Main Beach & Surf Club, also allowing faster access to the beach area for emergency vehicles.
That night the lights on the bridge were lit making a superb spectacle just after night fell. This picture ( below) was used on the office wall at Westpac Bank in Lakes Entrance for some years.
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| Opening Night |
Some years later more modern LED lights were fitted when the handrails had to be replaced due to rust and decay due to the salt environment.
In autumn the lowering sun creates a yellow hue to the area which on a still evening is picturesque.
The LED lights make for a trail of light across the bridge
Panorama of Opening Night
Colour pictures copyright John Munns
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