'Emotional' moment for family at Toowoomba Bypass bridge

For former police officer Stuart Forte driving on the Brett Forte Bridge for the first time this morning was an emotional experience.

BRIDGES NAMED: Stuart and Heather Forte, the parents of police officer Brett Forte who died in the line of duty in 2017, with the Brett Forte Bridge in the background. Picture: Tobi Loftus

FOR former police officer Stuart Forte driving on the Brett Forte Bridge for the first time this morning was an emotional experience.

Mr Forte's son, Senior Constable Brett Forte, was killed in the line of duty just outside of Toowoomba in 2017.

"I may have had a tear in my eye when I saw the sign for the first time," Mr Forte said.

"The family is absolutely thrilled that Brett is being honoured in this way. Susie (Brett's wife) and the three kids live just down the road ... the kids every day will drive over the bridge named after their dad."

Mr Forte said the family was thankful to the 1100 people who signed a petition calling for part of the Toowoomba Bypass to be named after Snr Const Forte.

The Brett Forte Bridge is one of the two arch bridges that take the New England Highway over the Toowoomba Bypass. The second is known as the John French Bridge.

Corporal John French was a soldier from Crows Nest who died in World War II after single-handedly disabling three enemy machine gun posts.

Today is the 77th anniversary of his death.

Australian Army 9th Battalion Warrant Officer John Lines, part of the same battalion Corp French was in, said his heroics transcended time.

"77 years after his death his name is still immortalised," WO Lines said.

A special open day will take place on Saturday where people will be able to walk under the bridges. Registrations are essential and close at 5pm today. Visit https://bit.ly/2TGH7Up.

Originally published as 'Emotional' moment for family at Toowoomba Bypass bridge