North Tonawanda Kicks Off Construction on Transformative Erie Canal Bike Path Extension

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. – North Tonawanda today marked a significant milestone, breaking ground on the 1.5-mile Erie Canal Bike Path Extension, a multi-million-dollar project set to enhance the city's connectivity, accessibility, and recreational offerings.

This crucial addition will forge a direct link between Mayor’s Park and the Botanical Gardens, seamlessly integrating North Tonawanda’s neighborhoods, vibrant waterfront, and bustling Downtown Business District with the larger New York State Empire Trail network. Officials hailed the project as a key component of the city's long-term vision for a healthier, more connected, and accessible community for both residents and visitors.

The ambitious project, with an estimated total investment of $2,622,025, is the culmination of years of collaborative planning and secures robust support from various state agencies:

• $372,125 from the New York Department of State (LWRP)

• $100,000 from the New York State Canal Corporation

• $1,050,000 from the New York State DOT (TAP/CMAQ)

• $799,900 from the New York State DOT (State Touring Routes)

• $300,000 from DASNY - Dormitory Authority of the State of New York

  
  

City officials extended special gratitude to the dedicated city staff, engineers, planners, and project partners whose collective efforts brought the vision to fruition. Key individuals acknowledged include Chelsea Spahr, Travis Sikora, Will Shaver, Laura Wilson, Alex Domaradzki, John Urban, Mark Zellner, and Jeff Zellner.

Design work for the extension was led by Dan Borcz of C&S Companies and Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect, PC. Construction of the new path will be undertaken by NOVA Site Company, LLC.

Expected to be completed by the end of the year, the new path promises to offer residents and visitors an improved way to explore the city's unique assets. City representatives expressed excitement for the community to "enjoy the ride."

"This is the kind of progress that reminds us what’s possible when we work together toward a shared future," a city spokesperson stated, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that drove the project from planning to groundbreaking.