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The Paterson Great Falls footbridge will get $1.1 million to replace it

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The Paterson Great Falls footbridge will get .1 million to replace it

2 minute reading

Joe Malinconico
| Paterson Press

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PATERSON — More than three years after Great Falls’ iconic corridor was closed for safety reasons, city officials Monday night approved a $1.14 million contract to replace the structure.

The installation of a new footbridge must be completed within a year, according to the resolution approving the contract.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the reopening of the bridge, which offers spectacular views of the 77-foot-tall waterfall. Work was delayed for more than a year amid a dispute over ownership of the structure.

The bridge will also provide a shortcut for visitors who want to walk from the Overlook Park section of the national park on the south side of the Passaic River to the Mary Ellen Kramer Park area on the north bank, which is closest to the falls.

The story continues below the photo gallery.

Officials plan to name the new walkway after the late Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., who died this year.

Construction will end up costing much more than officials expected. Two years ago, preliminary estimates put the price at $300,000. Officials could not be reached for comment on why the cost increased.

Bridge contract with Colonnelli Brothers of Hackensack

The city already spent $172,000 on an engineering contract to design the replacement bridge. Funding for the work comes from a variety of sources, including the National Park Service, the Passaic County Open Space Fund and Paterson’s allocation of money for COVID-19 relief from the American Rescue Fund.

The City Council voted to award the contract for the bridge to Colonnelli Brothers Inc. of Hackensack, which was the lowest bidder for the job.

But the city council on Monday declined to approve a $2.95 million contract to build the new Vista Park, which would sit along a bluff overlooking the river.

Separate developers have twice scrapped plans to build homes on the Vista property, which is next door to seniors housing at Hinchliffe Stadium. The state Green Acres program eventually bought the land for $5.7 million so it could be preserved as a park.

Mayor Andre Sayegh’s administration plans to put a small amphitheater, a children’s playground, restrooms and a barbecue and picnic area in Vista Park. Council members on Monday said they want a detailed presentation of those plans before approving the funding.

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