The pedestrian bridge installed by the RMS as a temporary access point was damaged as the river level swelled.

A Roads and Maritime Service spokesman said heavy rain caused the bridge’s hand rail to collapse.

“The design of the bridge allows the hand rails to collapse in high or rising waters to limit damage to the main bridge structure,” he said.

“Roads and Maritime inspected the bridge and confirmed the bridge deck has not sustained damage and can be used as there is no water currently on the bridge deck.

“The hand rails were reinstated.”

Pedestrians are advised to exercise caution and not use the bridge if water levels ­continue to rise at or above the bridge deck.

The original Torryburn bridge, and the community’s only access road, was swept away in last month’s super storm.

The destruction isolated the community and more than 80 residents had been relying on a makeshift flying fox to bring in small supplies, as well as helicopter drops for bulk goods, until the pedestrian bridge was installed.

Vehicle access remains the main issue.