The new-look Koombana Bay Footbridge will add to Bunbury’s aesthetic and accessibility, according to the City of Bunbury and South West Development Commission.
Work to install the newly-designed footbridge began on Wednesday, November 29, with cranes lifting each piece into place.
Construction crews also installed the second span and placed the last two bridge beams together last week.
The bridge has been designed to reconnect Koombana North and the newly-developed Koombana Foreshore area.
The bridge has been designed to resemble a ship’s hull, serving as a reminder of the shipwrecks lying underneath Koombana Bay.
The City of Bunbury has planned to place lights on the footbridge, making it easier to use at night.
Construction began following the council’s decision in September to raise the footbridge by 1400 millimetres to match the adjacent road bridge.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan and SWDC acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball got a glimpse of the facility on Friday, December 1.
“Once the council made a decision on the height, we were able to pull together all of the contractors,” Mr Brennan said.
“The prefabrication has been completed for months so it was just a matter of getting the height sorted and then the contractors knew what they had to do.”
The contractors also made changes to the entry and exit ramps.
Mr Brennan noted the community had reacted fondly to the footbridge’s design.
“It’s a really impressive structure and the City of Bunbury has been getting a lot of positive comments about how it looks,” he said.
Ms Ball added the footbridge aligned with the city’s inclusivity.
“It’s getting really positive feedback, it’s a striking addition to the eyeline of the city and it carries through a theme with the other structures and sculptures,” she said.
“I think it’s a great addition and as tourists come through I am sure they will enjoy walking across the bridge and the waterfront.
“It’s in-keeping with the maritime theme, with the area being about boating and waterways.
“There absolutely is scope to not only enjoy the structure but to also learn about the history of the area and learn a bit more about Bunbury.”
The Koombana Bay Footbridge has replaced the old rail bridge.
The rail bridge was used as footbridge for years prior to the change.
The footbridge has been scheduled to open in January 2018.
Read more: