A bridge linking Melbourne's Docklands to the city centre will be named after Jim Stynes. (File pic)

The late Jim Stynes is to have a bridge in Melbourne named in his honour.

The bike and pedestrian bridge, which is due to be completed in 2013, will link Melbourne’s Docklands to the city centre along the Yarra river.

The “floating bridge” is designed to appear as though hovering above the water and is set to be named after the Irishman, who died in March.

The Victorian State Government revealed the commemoration today.

Melbourne-based newspaper The Herald Sun had campaigned for the bridge to be named after the Dubliner.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy said was a fitting tribute.

“Victorians were given a chance to suggest names for the bridge through the State Government and City of Melbourne seeking feedback via the Herald Sun newspaper and there was an overwhelming desire to recognise Jim Stynes in this way,” Mr Guy said.

“Jim’s migrant story, his football career and philanthropy through the Reach foundation are a wonderful legacy and I think it is a fitting tribute to his life’s work to declare that Melbourne’s newest Yarra bridge will be in recognition of him.

“The new bridge will be an interactive one, with features along it recognising the different aspects of Jim’s life and his commitment to the country that he adopted and which subsequently came to adopt him,” Mr Guy said.

Mr Stynes, a former Brownlow Medallist, died in March at the age of 45 after a three year battle with cancer. Thousands lined the streets of Melbourne for his state funeral on March 27.