The first major structure of the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass has opened.
The new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge marks a key milestone in the project’s delivery, according to State and Federal governments.
Spanning eight lanes of the Pacific Highway, the bridge replaces a shorter structure of the same name and now provides safer pedestrian and cyclist access – including a direct connection to a new bus interchange near Kororo Public School.
The bridge is named in memory of local student Luke Bowen and is intended to serve as both critical active transport infrastructure and a place of remembrance.
“The stunning new pedestrian bridge will ensure people can move safely and easily over the new highway,” said Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.
“The bridge also honours the memory of Luke Bowen, a young life lost too soon.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the project reflected “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape [the] city, to reclaim [its] streets.”
“The bridge was installed with only a few hours of highway closure, and the older structure removed just as efficiently. This shows the outstanding coordination and care that’s gone into this project,” she said,
The Coffs Harbour Bypass is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, with $1.76 billion and $440 million committed respectively.
Once complete, the 14-kilometre bypass is expected to remove thousands of vehicles from the city centre and cut travel times across the Mid North Coast.
