FAIRPORT, N.Y. — After nearly two years, the Fairport Lift Bridge is back open.

The 107-year-old bridge was lowered back into place to allow traffic and pedestrians to cross on Friday.

A rehab project had kept the bridge in the raised position as its unique mechanisms, cables and electronics were improved and replaced.

 

Delays, some pandemic-related, pushed back the completion date, leaving local businesses in limbo. Reports of the bridge opening in April were soon pushed back to June and finally to Friday, July 2.

The famous bridge carries Route 250 over the Erie Canal and connects the village's north and south sides.

While the lift bridge was closed, traffic and pedestrians had to use the narrow Parker Street bridge to get over the canal.

The bridge carrying Route 31 over the canal in Pittsford also reopened on Friday after a rehab project. It was only closed for a few months.