The new bridge would connect a break in the 30-kilometre Capital City Trail that loops around the inner suburbs. It was expected to open in 2014, the Coalition said two years ago, but to this day cyclists and pedestrians on the trail must negotiate the 42 steps at the end of Gipps Street.

Government authority Parks Victoria was given $264,000 in 2012 to begin works but has failed to make a start on the project.

A Parks Victoria spokesman admitted the original design for the bridge was so flawed it had to be scrapped and said a new design was being worked on.

"The design was deemed to be too intrusive, requiring substantial structures to mitigate flood risk, and did not meet accessibility requirements," the spokesman said.

It is understood Melbourne Water vetoed the original design.