BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Ralph Wilson Park Bridge arrived at Ralph Wilson Park on Tuesday afternoon.
City Leaders, park and canal officials, and community volunteers gathered in the park to watch the barge carrying the bridge arrive.
The barge was led by the Seneca Chief replica boat and a bagpiper as it made its way through the Black Rock Canal.
Brian Stratton, Director of the NYS Canal Corporation said "Today on the eve of the Erie Canal's Bicentennial, the completed transatlantic journey of the Ralph Wilson Park Pedestrian Bridge, including its final leg of 338 miles from Waterford to Buffalo"
Thousands of New Yorkers gathered along the shores of the Erie Canal to watch the bridge go by.
Katie Campos, Executive Director of Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy said "During the community-driven design process, Imagine Lasalle, our community said that their number one priority is a safer, more accessible, more beautiful way to get to Ralph Wilson Park."
The bridge will connect neighborhoods on the west side of the city to Ralph Wilson Park.
Charlie Torres, Vice President of the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy Board said "In the midst of one of the richest neighborhoods in Buffalo, and one of the poorest. We wanted to make sure that anyone that entered this park was welcomed."
The bridge is expected to be installed in October of 2024 and open for pedestrians in 2026.