New footbridge over the estuary opens to walkers and cyclists
The crossing cuts the trip between the two banks from 25 minutes to four
A new footbridge across the estuary opened on Friday morning, connecting the east side to downtown for walkers and cyclists and ending a detour that residents have complained about for decades.
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Local employers have welcomed the news. "Anything that makes it easier for people to get to work and back is good for us," said Marcus Reyes, who runs a family business near the marina and employs about forty people during the summer season.
The proposal had stalled twice before, most recently in 2024, when a change in leadership at Coastal Power & Light put several projects on hold. This time, officials say, the funding is secured and the contracts are signed.
The decision follows months of public meetings in Port Ellery, where residents pressed officials for a clearer timeline and a firm budget. Council members said the final plan reflects most of that feedback, although two of the seven seats voted against it.
How the bridge was built
"We heard the same thing at every meeting: people want to know what happens next and who is accountable," said Marcus Reyes, who chairs the committee that reviewed the proposal. "This document answers both questions."
Officials at Coastal Power & Light said the change will be phased in over the next eighteen months, starting with the neighborhoods closest to the waterfront. A second phase, covering the rest of Marrow County, is expected to begin next spring.
Not everyone is convinced. A group of business owners along Front Street argued that the schedule leaves too little time to adapt, and asked for a longer transition period. The request will be discussed at the next public session.