October 26, 2009

Walkway Wonder

A new footbridge over the Hudson opens in celebration of the historic river's 400th anniversary

By TFK Kid Reporter Curtis Jorgensen

Put on your walking shoes! Walkway Over the Hudson, connecting Dutchess and Ulster Counties in New York, is officially open. The recently renovated bridge is the longest pedestrian overpass in the world. Thousands of people attended the opening ceremony for the new state park on October 3, including politicians like New York Governor David Patterson, New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.

COURTESY JORGENSEN FAMILY TFK Kid Reporter Curtis Jorgensen talks to New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey about the Walkway.

There were more than 6,000 volunteers assisting in the details of the opening. When asked what Congressman Hinchey thought about the support from the community, he responded, "I am not surprised about the amount of volunteers for this project. I knew people were going to be enthusiastic about it. This was made so people would have a strong desire to not just enjoy it, but to participate in its development."

Governor Patterson hopes the Walkway will help boost New York's economy. "I think it instantly means an immense shot in the arm for tourism," Patterson told TFK.

History of the Hudson

The Walkway wasn't always a pedestrian bridge. It was originally built in 1888 as a railroad bridge used to transport goods from the east — including the popular Little Golden Books from a factory in Poughkeepsie — to the rest of the country. During World War II, the bridge was used to transport soldiers to ships that took them overseas. But in 1974, a fire burned its tracks beyond repair.

Fred Schaeffer is the chairman of the Board of Directors for Walkway Over the Hudson. Schaeffer described himself as a man with a dream when efforts to turn the old bridge into a park first began in 1992. He wanted the Walkway to be ready in time for the Henry Hudson Quadricentennial Celebration.

It was 400 years ago that English explorer Henry Hudson set sail on his ship, the Half Moon, to find an all-water route from Europe to Asia. Hudson arrived in New York Harbor in 1609. He never found the shortcut, but he did explore the river that would later be named in his honor. The Native Americans called the river "Muhheakantuck." It refers to the river's natural flow in two directions.

COURTESY JORGENSEN FAMILY Curtis takes in the view of the Hudson River Valley from the renovated bridge.

Building the Bridge

Harrison and Burrowes (H&B) is the construction company behind the restoration. A crew of about 45 people worked for 14 months to renovate the 6,767-foot long bridge, which hangs 212 feet above the Hudson River. H&B owner Jeff DiStefano said this was the most exciting project his company has ever had. Although, he admits, "There were many concerns that the bridge would not be finished in time." H&B project superintendent Mike Booth adds, "The most challenging part of renovating the bridge was the steelwork and repairs."

The Dyson Foundation, Scenic Hudson, and many other private and public contributors helped fund the $38.8 million project. Walkway Over the Hudson is now open to the public, connecting 27 miles of rail trail located on each side of the Hudson. It can be used year-round for biking, walking or running (weather permitting) from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. Visit walkway.org for more information.

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