City starts construction on Vesey Street pedestrian bridge.

Governor George E. Pataki broke ground last week for the construction of a pedestrian bridge at Vesey Street, spanning across Route 9A/West Street from the World Financial Center to the east side of Vesey Street, in front of the Verizon Building. The bridge, which is scheduled to open in November 2003, will provide direct access for thousands of pedestrians to the World Financial Center, Battery Park City and the Hudson River waterfront.

"This pedestrian bridge is another step forward along our timeline to rebuild Lower Manhattan," said Pataki. "The bridge will provide a new, safe, and direct corridor across West Street for the residents of Battery Park City, workers from the World Financial Center, and tourists who have been flocking back to the downtown area.

"The Vesey Street bridge is scheduled to open this November in conjunction with the opening of the temporary PATH Station. Once the bridge opens, thousands of pedestrians will have better access to their places of work and their homes," he added.

The PATH station was destroyed in the September 11th terrorist attacks. A pedestrian bridge across West Street was also destroyed on September 11th. Vesey Street is currently closed to vehicular traffic except construction-related vehicles, creating the need for a safe and direct walkway across the street. The current 15-foot crosswalk at West and Vesey Streets cannot safely accommodate the estimated 6,000 pedestrians that will cross the intersection in the morning rush hour once the PATH station reopens.

Construction of the bridge is being overseen by the State Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and funded by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. The project also includes construction of a special pedestrian walkway from the plaza of the temporary PATH station on Church Street to West Street along Vesey Street.

Charles A. Gargano, chairman of Empire State Development and vice chairman of the Port Authority said, "The Vesey Street pedestrian bridge is an important step forward in the economic recovery of Lower Manhattan. It will not only provide a safe haven for pedestrians, but will increase foot traffic in the area, which is vital to businesses. Governor Pataki's bold vision is quickly becoming reality and will make Lower Manhattan a better place to live and work."

The bridge was designed on a fast track schedule, at a construction cost of approximately $11 million. This project, along with improvements to the Liberty Street bridge staircase, are estimated to cost a total of approximately $21 million.

Elevators are expected to be completed and operational by March. Escalators are expected to be completed and operational by April. The bridge will have an escalator on the east and west sides, as well as stairs and elevators for ADA compliance.

The bridge's prefabricated steel structure will be a bright, aesthetically attractive environment, with a skylight that allows for natural light penetration and is compatible with the area.

The bridge will be managed by Brookfield Properties Corporation. The structural maintenance will be performed by NYSDOT, which will own the structure. The bridge was designed by EarthTech, Inc. and Vollmer Associates.

The creation of a new pedestrian bridge over West Street and walkway is one of several short-term initiatives which Governor Pataki announced on April 24th to improve the quality of life in Lower Manhattan. Also included in the plan is a new high school in Lower Manhattan; the return of the World Trade Center Green market; security and aesthetic improvements to the area around the New York Stock Exchange; and the enhancement or creation of thirteen parks and open spaces throughout Lower Manhattan.