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THREE years after it was feared the Hampden Bridge could collapse, Wagga City Council is set to re-open the historic structure for use by pedestrians.

At their June ordinary meeting last night, councillors resolved to open the bridge as a pedestrian walkway subject to an assessment beforehand on potential hazards and risks.

If council opens the bridge to pedestrians, they will only be allowed to walk on the former roadway.

A report prepared for councillors said necessary work to make the bridge safe had been completed.

An inspection by structural engineers had deemed the bridge to be safe for at least three years, according to the report.

However, council will conduct another evaluation of the bridge before it makes a final decision.

Councillor Lindsay Vidler spoke against the move, questioning the cost of re-opening the 114-year-old timber bridge and the public liability insurance ramifications.

He said a walkway was available at the Wiradjuri Bridge – 50 metres away.

Cr Kevin Wales was also worried.

"What is going to happen when we get intoxicated persons congregating? I wonder what our public liability is like."

Cr Alan Brown said he would feel safer crossing the Hampden Bridge than the Wiradjuri Bridge.

The future of the Hampden Bridge is part of the Riverside master plan which is expected to be completed later this year.