As reconstruction work continues at Ralph Wilson Park, formerly LaSalle Park, there are some exciting developments unfolding. One of the most exciting new aspects of the park is the bridge that will one day better connect the park to the people. There is a plan for a signature bridge that will traverse the I-190, leading from the Lower West Side to the waterfront. That bridge is currently being constructed in Italy, and will eventually be arduously transported to Buffalo.
Executive Director of the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy, Katie Campos, had this to share about this exciting development:
“The signature pedestrian bridge is being constructed right now at Cimolai in Italy. It was designed by sbp (schlaich bergermann partner).
“It will be shipped by boat across the Atlantic this summer, where it will be transferred to a barge and make its way to Ralph Wilson Park. The exact route is being finalized, though we anticipate the end of its journey will be through Lake Ontario and the Welland Canal. The timing will be fun – we are planning to share the location of the bridge as it makes its way through NYS so that bicyclists on the canals and waterways can track its progress toward Buffalo.
“Once it reaches Ralph Wilson Park, it will be moved across the park and re-assembled. We anticipate it will be installed over the highway in the fall (likely late October). As you might expect, this will be a massive undertaking that requires significant coordination with the Thruway Authority, CSX, and local governments. The highway will be shut down for a short period of time to install the new bridge and remove the former bridge.
“Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy is planning programming around all of this, which we are excited to share updates about soon!”
