Ralph Wilson Park Bridge arrives in Buffalo Tuesday afternoon

BUFFALO, NY — The Ralph Wilson Park Bridge arrived at Ralph Wilson Park on Tuesday, July 16.

City leaders, park and canal officials and community volunteers gathered at the park to witness the arrival of the barge carrying the bridge.

The barge was driven by the replica Seneca Chief boat and a bagpiper as it passed through the Black Rock Channel.

Brian Stratton, Director of the NYS Canal Corporation, said, “Today, on the eve of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, the Ralph Wilson Park Pedestrian Bridge completed its transatlantic journey, including its final 338-mile stretch from Waterford to Buffalo.”

Thousands of New Yorkers gathered along the banks of the Erie Canal to watch the bridge pass.

Katie Campos, Executive Director of Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy, said, “During the Imagine Lasalle community design process, our community said their number one priority was finding a safer, more accessible and more beautiful way to get to Ralph Wilson Park.”

The bridge will connect the city’s western neighborhoods to Ralph Wilson Park.

Charlie Torres, vice chairman of the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy board, said, “We’re in the heart of one of the wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods in Buffalo. We wanted to make sure that everyone who comes into this park feels welcome.”

The bridge is expected to be installed in October 2024 and open to pedestrians in 2026.