The missing link for pedestrians passing through Perinton is now in place, thanks to a new bridge installed by the town.
The pedestrian bridge crosses the Erie Canal at Cobb's Lane and connects the canal trail with the opposite bank, which will then be linked to the RS & E Bike Trail and Crescent Trail system that continues through Perinton.
It's taken a decade to secure the land and funds needed to finish the project, but as he watched the pedestrian bridge raised into place on Friday, Town Supervisor Jim Smith said it was worth the wait.
"It's rewarding. It required a lot of perseverance," said Smith.
Construction cost the town $1.7 million, $1.5 million federal grant that it received in 2004. The balance left over in a capital reserve fund for the project allowed the cost to be covered without use of taxes.
The biggest obstacle, however, was acquiring the land on each bank from the State Canal Corporation. Once the town gained ownership of the land, the project was able to move forward.
The bridge arrived in pieces on Wednesday, and the pieces were later assembled on a floating barge. Part of the canal was blocked for several hours on Friday, Aug. 10 as the bridge was put into place.
"I think it's a major asset that will allow pedestrian linkage between the village and town," said Smith.
Additional steel and concrete work are required to complete the approaches to the bridge, which is scheduled to open in November.
A small crowd gathered to watch the construction crew on Friday. Dick Moore, of Fairport, stopped to watch while riding his bike along the canal. He and other outdoor adventurers say they're ready to put the bridge to good use.
"It's exciting," said Moore. "I'll be glad to have one more path to travel."
The missing link for pedestrians passing through Perinton is now in place, thanks to a new bridge installed by the town.
The pedestrian bridge crosses the Erie Canal at Cobb's Lane and connects the canal trail with the opposite bank, which will then be linked to the RS & E Bike Trail and Crescent Trail system that continues through Perinton.
It's taken a decade to secure the land and funds needed to finish the project, but as he watched the pedestrian bridge raised into place on Friday, Town Supervisor Jim Smith said it was worth the wait.
"It's rewarding. It required a lot of perseverance," said Smith.
Construction cost the town $1.7 million, $1.5 million federal grant that it received in 2004. The balance left over in a capital reserve fund for the project allowed the cost to be covered without use of taxes.
The biggest obstacle, however, was acquiring the land on each bank from the State Canal Corporation. Once the town gained ownership of the land, the project was able to move forward.
The bridge arrived in pieces on Wednesday, and the pieces were later assembled on a floating barge. Part of the canal was blocked for several hours on Friday, Aug. 10 as the bridge was put into place.
"I think it's a major asset that will allow pedestrian linkage between the village and town," said Smith.
Additional steel and concrete work are required to complete the approaches to the bridge, which is scheduled to open in November.
A small crowd gathered to watch the construction crew on Friday. Dick Moore, of Fairport, stopped to watch while riding his bike along the canal. He and other outdoor adventurers say they're ready to put the bridge to good use.
"It's exciting," said Moore. "I'll be glad to have one more path to travel."
