A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge honouring the memory of local student Luke Bowen has officially opened in Coffs Harbour, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the city’s long-awaited bypass.
Spanning eight lanes of traffic, the Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge is the first major piece of infrastructure to be completed as part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass.
The pedestrian bridge replaces the older and shorter bridge of the same name, and now provides a safer, more accessible connection across the highway, including direct access to a new bus interchange being built near Kororo Public School.
The bridge stands as both a vital piece of infrastructure and a tribute – a place of remembrance for Luke.
The Coffs Harbour Bypass is a $2.2 billion project jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales governments.
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Once complete, the bypass will remove thousands of vehicles from the city centre, improve traffic flow and significantly reduce travel times.
Luke Bowen’s parents Jeff Bowen and Vicki Banks said the family is honoured that the new pedestrian bridge will serve as a lasting legacy to Luke.
“It is a deeply moving tribute that reflects the care and strength of the community he loved so much,” they said.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Transport for NSW and Kororo Public School.”
Catherine King, Federal Infrastructure Minister said, the 14-kilometre Coffs Bypass will transform Coffs Harbour for the better, bypassing the town centre and allowing interstate traffic to flow freely.
“The new pedestrian bridge will ensure people can move safely and easily over the new highway,” said King.
“The bridge also honours the memory of Luke Bowen, a young life lost too soon. The Coffs Harbour community has shown such strength and unity in carrying Luke’s name forward and this bridge stands as a testament to that spirit.”
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Transport for NSW and Kororo Public School.”
For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/
