Promenade at Erie Harbor Pedestrian Bridge & Multi-Use Trail

The Promenade at Erie Harbor is a $4.5 million project that removed longstanding physical barriers to bolster riverfront activity and appreciation, support downtown revitalization, and unite the people of Rochester with their natural and built environments. Bergmann provided preliminary and final design services, supported construction, and served as the Engineer of Record.

The project features a 250-ft-long hardscaped esplanade fronting the Genesee River, a landscaped pocket park at the southern end, and a 200-ft curved and splayed 3-span pedestrian bridge at the north end linking the esplanade to the historic Court Street Bridge. An innovative public-private partnership delivery mechanism allowed concurrent construction of both the Promenade and “The Nathaniel,” a new apartment building, on the small site as well as direct integration of the two projects.

This created a truly unique waterfront experience on a site that had been inaccessible for more than 70 years, providing residents and trail users with waterfront access, dramatic river views, and education about the surrounding historic structures — ultimately earning recognition from regional chapters of the Association for Bridge Construction and Design and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

“This award demonstrates Bergman’s commitment to quality in a vital City investment,” said Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren following announcement of the ACEC New York recognition. “The Promenade was the first ROC the Riverway project to be completed and now provides a magnificent example of the program’s potential to open Downtown’s riverfront and advance our efforts to create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, and better educational opportunities.”

“The evolution of this project from initial concept to a powerful marriage of new development and public space has been remarkable,” noted Rochester City Engineer Holly E. Barrett, PE. “It is a true testament to inspired and creative engineering and speaks to the power of public-private partnerships.”