Coastal erosion is threatening land near the bridge and geotechnical engineers say the area needs to be stabilised to avoid damage to Lawrence Hargrave Dr.

Mr Evans yesterday said the State Government would follow Roads and Maritime Services advice about a long-term solution to the landslip issue. While there was no suggestion at this stage that the road would have to be closed, Mr Evans said driver and pedestrian safety would be a key issue.

‘‘If people are inconvenienced because of an issue that’s going to affect their safety, I think they will understand that the work has to be done,’’ he said.

Mr Evans questioned whether more emphasis should have been placed on the chance of landslips when the bridge was built.

‘‘The former government, and I give them full credit for putting a great structure up, but obviously maybe the beginning and end of the bridge were maybe not concentrated on,’’ he said.

Sea Cliff Bridge has become a tourism attraction since it opened in 2005 and has featured in numerous advertisements and films.

Tourism Wollongong chair Matt Davidson said the potential temporary closure of the route, if required, would not stop people visiting the Illawarra.

‘‘We don’t want to be alarmist, so we would hope that the Government can come up with some sort of solution for it. We’ve capitalised on the bridge being there and it’s an important part of the Grand Pacific Drive,’’ he said.

Wollongong councillor Leigh Colacino said northern Illawarra residents would be pleased the issue was being addressed.

‘‘Anyone who’s lived there for any period of time ... would be only too fully aware of the problems that existed with the original road,’’ he said.

Former minister for the Illawarra David Campbell said he did not recall anyone raising concerns about the section of road now at risk when the bridge was built.