More than five years in the making, the 150-metre long bridge is a significant way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli.

The bridge – titled the Newcastle Memorial Walk – opens on Friday ahead of Anzac Day and was constructed by Rutherford company Waeger Constructions.

“We are very proud to be a part of this,” Mr Waeger said.

“From the very beginning I wanted to be a part of it and it’s been a very exciting and special project to be a part of.”

Created with 64 tonnes of stainless steel, the walkway also includes a series of interpretive panels incorporating the 3860 ­family names of those who enlisted in WWI.

“I think this will end up being one the biggest tourist attractions for Newcastle. The views are amazing and on a clear day you can see up into the Hunter Valley,” Mr Waeger said.

“The walk takes in a beautiful section of our coastline and it’s a special way to honour those who committed themselves to the war effort.”

Waeger Constructions started work on the bridge in October and finished last month.

“Most of the work was done by locals so the walk showcases the skills we have here in the Hunter Valley, it’s absolutely spectacular.”

BHP contributed $3 million to the project in recognition of the company’s centenary and connection to the region during World War I.

Hunter Region soldiers feature in the Faces of Anzacs memorial wall, which is live across almost 200 Fairfax websites throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The site bears the names, suburbs and ages of Anzacs. Their stories, and memories, have been submitted by readers of our digital network.

The wall is searchable by name and location, has social media sharing, and can be viewed on mobile.