A new, 2 1/2-mile, multiuse path in the Town of Wheatfield along the Niagara River Shoreline Trail is now open to the public, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.

The $4.3 million project provides walkers, joggers and bicyclists with a protected pathway that connects the existing trail in the City of North Tonawanda and the City of Niagara Falls.

“Investments that provide new opportunities to walk or bike enrich quality of life in our local communities and foster new opportunities for tourism and economic growth,” Gov. Hochul said. “This new multiuse path brings us a big step closer to completing the Niagara River Shoreline Trail and allows people to leave their cars at home as they take in all the wonderful attractions that the Niagara Falls area has to offer.”

The new segment runs from Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda (at Witmer Road) along an abandoned rail line adjacent to River Road to Griffin Park in the City of Niagara Falls. The trail includes wayfinding and interpretative signage to aid users.