How do you get a massive bridge across Upstate New York?
One canal lock at a time.
A new bridge, built in Italy, has made the trek across the ocean and is now floating down the Erie Canal across the state to its new home in Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Park.
The 266-foot pedestrian bridge has spent the last year being built by international firm Cimolai at a facility in Italy, an hour north of Venice. The fabricators have a newly established presence in the Southern Tier town of Olean, Spectrum News 1 reported.
Rendering of new bridge to be installed in Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo, NY. It was built in Italy and is being transported down the Erie Canal across Upstate NY. Provided photo | Ralph Wilson Park ConservancyProvided photo | Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy
According to WKBW 7, the bridge is 22 feet wide and weighs about 220 tons. Once installed in the fall, the new bridge will be an entryway into Ralph Wilson Park across I-190 from Fourth Street.
Being able to transport this large structure by water helps avoid closing roads to traffic or navigating under low street bridges.
A new pedestrian bridge gets transported across Upstate New York to its final home at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Park. Seen here on July 8, 2024. The bridge is expected to arrive in Buffalo on July 15. Brandon Moran | Buffalo Above Films for the Ralph Wilson Park ConservancyBrandon Moran | Buffalo Above Films for the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy
Carver Companies, which owns and operates the Port of Coeymans, located south of Albany, is using a tug-and-barge system to get the bridge across 34 locks along the canal.
As of this article, the bridge barge has been on the canal for five days, traveling on July 9 through Central New York with views available from Lock 20 State Canal Park in Marcy and traveling through Lock 21, New London in Rome just after 1 p.m.
New pedestrian bridge travels across the Erie Canal in Upstate NY. Seen in Little Falls on July 8, 2024. Its final home is Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo, NY. Mark Minter | Minter PhotographyProvided photo | Minter Photography
A list of best viewing spots was put together by Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy. Here are upcoming locations:
- Sylvan Beach
- Lock E23 Brewerton
- Lock E24 Baldwinsville
- Weedsport Terminal at Devaney’s Riverside Grill
- Lock E27 Lyons
- Port of Newark and T. Spencer Knight Park
- Port of Palmyra
- Lock 30 Macedon Canal Park
- Village of Fairport
- Bushnells Basin
- Pittsford from the Main Street Bridge and Schoen Place
- Greece Canal Park
- Village of Spencerport
- Adam’s Basin
- Village of Brockport, park at the Brockport Visitor Center
- Holley Canal Park
- Village of Albion
- Village of Medina
- Village of Middleport from Middleport Canal Park
- Lockport from Widewaters Marina to Locks 34 and 35
- Tonawandas Gateway Harbor Park
Details on best places at these locations for photo ops, parking and more can be found on the full list.
New pedestrian bridge travels across the Erie Canal in Upstate NY. Seen in Little Falls on July 8, 2024. Its final home is Ralph Wilson Park in Buffalo, NY. Mark Minter | Minter PhotographyMark Minter | Minter Photography
Live updates are being provided via Carver Companies on Facebook and Instagram as well as the Ralph Wilson Park Bridge on Instagram.
Barge spotters are also posting their photos and updates in the Historic Erie Canal Facebook group.
The bridge is expected to arrive in Western NY by July 15.