The Coffs Harbour and Korora communities have marked an important moment with the opening and dedication of the new Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge.
The opening of the bridge marks the first completed component of the Coffs Harbour Bypass, which is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
The new bridge replaces the older and shorter bridge of the same name, and provides a safer, more accessible connection across the highway.
It includes direct access to a new bus interchange being built near Kororo Public School.
Nationals' Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said Kororo Public hosted a moving assembly ahead of the official opening of the bridge.
"It was an important day on Tuesday for the students of Kororo Public School and Luke's family," Mr Singh said. "I was honoured to be part of this special occasion."
Luke was a Year 6 student a Kororo Public.
He lost his life in a motorcycle accident in September 1997 - just one day before the original footbridge opened.
The new bridge, on the northern approaches to Coffs, spans eight lanes – four of the Pacific Highway and two lanes each for two local roads being built to the east and west of the Highway.
