New Woodward Township riverwalk now open

By Christopher Miller

Just in time for Woodward Township Riverfest next weekend, the new walkway that links Veterans Bridge/Jay Street Bridge with Riverview Park in Woodward Township has officially opened to pedestrian traffic.

The project was formally announced and plans were unveiled in December 2021, with the majority of work being done between 2022 and the first half of 2024.

The project saw portions of the road closed to one-way traffic with a temporary stop light in place at all corners of the Jay Street Bridge, and Farrandsville Road. Though navigating the construction became cumbersome and frustrating at times, the new walkway and rebuilt road surfaces appear smooth and ready for walkers.

The $7.5 million project included building a temporary causeway on the riverbank to serve as a work platform, roadway realignment, utility relocations, drainage improvements, piping and inlets, construction of a retaining wall, sidewalks, curbing, ornamental light poles, guide rail, paving, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items.