Although the Thurston Avenue Bridge was reopened to two-way traffic a few weeks ago, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the bridge's reconstruction was held Nov. 2.

The reconstruction project began in March 2006. The bridge was closed entirely for two periods (each lasting several months) during the construction process.

The upgraded bridge has been widened by 12 feet to accommodate two 5-foot-wide bicycle lanes and wider sidewalks on each side with lighted guard rails. Construction was by Economy Paving Co. Inc. of Cortland and coordinated by the city of Ithaca in cooperation with Cornell's Division of Facilities Services. Bridge design and construction management was by LaBella Associates of Rochester.

Astrid Glynn, commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, and Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson attended the ribbon-cutting, which was followed by a reception in nearby Balch Hall.

"This project also upgraded the city [of Ithaca], Verizon, and Cornell utilities that use this bridge to cross Fall Creek," said Frank Perry, Cornell projects manager and coordinator. "The city, Economy Paving and Cornell worked hard to coordinate the utility work with the bridge construction."

The project, which cost $10.4 million, was funded through the Transportation Improvement Program (80 percent of the cost was reimbursed by the federal government and 15 percent by the state). The city of Ithaca contributed the remaining 5 percent.