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Walkway Over the Hudson National Recreation Trail

A rails to trails project to convert the railroad bridge between Poughkeepsie and Highland, NY. The "Walkway Over the Hudson" bike/ped project opened October 3, 2009 as the Hudson State Historic Park. An estimated 40,000 people took part in the opening weekend. At 6,768 feet, the bridge was the longest bridge in the world when it was built in 1889., and it is now the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The cost of the transformation was about $38.5 million. Re-opening events on both shores of the Hudson River included a procession of lanterns across the bridge, the release of 1,000 fire kites from the bridge deck, and a 25-minute fireworks display. New York Governor Patterson made the opening speech and Congressman Hinchey announced Walkway’s designation as a National Recreation Trail.

See details of the Walkway over the Hudson bridge project and its National Recreation Trail designation

Photos by David Rocco, Walkway Board Trustee and volunteer member; click on any photo to see it full size:

The bridge with rails still in place, Poughkeepsie-Highland rails to trails project, NY; photo by David Rocco

The bridge with new concrete deck and railing, Poughkeepsie-Highland rails to trails bridge, NY; photo by David Rocco, September 2009

Construction to convert the Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge for bike and pedestrian use; photo by David Rocco, 2009

Poughkeepsie-Highland rails to trails bridge, NY; photo by David Rocco

FDR Mid Hudson road bridge with Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge in background, NY; photo by David Rocco, September 2009

Working on Poughkeepsie-Highland rails to trails bridge, NY; photo by David Rocco, September 2009

Poughkeepsie-Highland rails to trails bridge, NY; photo by David Rocco, September 2009

Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY; photo by David Rocco, October 2009

Bridge approach curves through Poughkeepsie, NY, to reach main bridge over river; photo by David Rocco, September 2009

Opening celebration for the Walkway Over the Hudson National Recreation Trail, NY; photo by David Rocco, October 3, 2009

Celebrating railroad history of the Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge, NY; photo by David Rocco, October 3, 2009

Opening celebration for the Walkway Over the Hudson National Recreation Trail, NY; photo by David Rocco, October 3, 2009

Opening celebration for the Walkway Over the Hudson National Recreation Trail, NY; photo by David Rocco, October 2009

Construction on the Walkway Over the Hudson National Recreation Trail, NY; photo by David Rocco 2009

Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge with highway bridge in back, NY; photo by David Rocco, September 2009