The last time that we paid a visit to Ship Canal Commons (in the fall), we were anticipating the arrival of a new pedestrian bridge that would traverse the canal’s waters (see background). While so many of the other functional and aesthetic design components were in place, the crowning utilitarian fixture was still on its way. I recently inquired about the bridge, and was happy to hear the news from David Stebbins (lead photo), Vice President, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), that the bridge had arrived and was in place. From David:
“The new pedestrian bridge at Ship Canal Commons not only serves a functional purpose – providing a pedestrian path across the Union Ship Canal and linking the park areas on both sides of the canal with the regional shoreline trail system – it also is an iconic symbol of the sites industrial past. The pedestrian bridge is intended to resemble a railroad trestle, evoking both the former railroad uses on the site as well as the former iron ore manufacturing operations of Hanna Furnace. The bridge also incorporates fishing platforms to encourage recreational fishing in the canal. The bridge will be open for public use in April of this year.”
Photo: BUDC
Photo: BUDC
