Erie Canal bridge project highlighted in Brockport

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The New York State Canal Corporation Director met Wednesday with Brockport’s mayor and the SUNY Brockport president for a “steel signing” ceremony to highlight the construction process of the Brockport Pedestrian Bridge over the Erie Canal.

The Brockport pedestrian bridge is set to connect the SUNY Brockport campus to the Empire State Trail and the Village of Brockport. Initially announced in 2020, construction of the bridge began last year and is expected to be completed in 2025.

The bridge will complement the Village of Brockport`s installation of a kayak dock and plans for a nearby boathouse, while also serving as a viewing platform for anticipated rowing competitions on the canal.

SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson spoke on the importance the canal has for the SUNY Brockport campus, and for the village.

“We are so thrilled to get to call it our home,” Macpherson said. “It is such an important part of our university’s identity, and we are eager to embrace opportunities that strengthen both the canal and our relationship to it. Even though the canal has been open for a 199, years we are still yet to unlock its full potential and to maximize the impact it can have on our campus and the Village of Brockport. Today we are taking a significant step towards that reality.”

The New York Power Authority is funding the bridge in part through a $2 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

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