Luke Bowen footbridge first cab off the rank of Coffs Harbour’s new multi-billion dollar bypass

A footbridge honouring a year 6 student who lost his life in a motorbike crash almost three decades ago is being replaced as part of the massive $2.2bn Coffs Harbour Bypass Project.

A footbridge honouring a Korora year 6 student who lost his life in a motorbike crash almost three decades ago is being replaced as part of the huge $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour Bypass Project.

Luke Bowen died in the crash one day before the opening of the original footbridge in September 1997.

Students on the old Luke Bowen Footbridge back in 2018.

The new footbridge crossing an equivalent eight lanes – four highway lanes and four lanes for local roads being built to the east and west – is having trusses sourced from Newcastle lifted into place this week. The new structure will remain named after Luke.

The main span for the new Luke Bowen pedestrian bridge is set to be lifted over the Pacific Highway this weekend.

The Luke Bowen Footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists will link to a new bus interchange being built near Korora Public School.

A Transport NSW spokesman said the footbridge “will be the first part of the bypass to be fully operational for its ultimate use and is expected to open early next year”.

“As the only steel truss bridge being built for the bypass, it has been designed to look like a sculpture, with mesh panels providing safety and a view across all lanes of the highway,” he said.

“It will be a landmark structure, contributing to the gateway experience for highway users entering the city from the north.

Construction of the footbridge as part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass Project.

“The new bridge will keep the ‘Luke Bowen’ name, while the existing bridge will be demolished as it is not long enough to span the required eight lanes of traffic.”

The main span of the bridge will be lifted over the Pacific Highway this weekend.

Minor disruptions on local roads and some lane closures have been flagged.

Lifting the truss for the main span will involve highway traffic being moved onto one carriageway and that will be followed by a night closure affecting heavy vehicles

Construction on the new footbridge.

Heavy vehicle users are being encouraged to avoid the area, but parking will be provided on the highway for motorists unable to do so.

There will be a detour for light vehicles and emergency services via James Small Dr.

Access to Korora School Rd parking, the north and southbound bus interchange and the existing footbridge will be impacted at times.

Work is expected to wrap up on Sunday.

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