MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - For those who traveled on Okemos Road near the Red Cedar River this weekend, may have noticed delays due to the installment of the new pedestrian bridge.

"This project has been in the works for quite some time now, at least 10 years and the main obstacle was really funding," said Chief Engineer of Meridian Township, Younes Ishraidi.

But with the use of the Township Pathway Millage, this $650,000 bridge originally made in outside of Syracuse, NY, was transported to sit right above the Red Cedar River with a color, nearly impossible to miss.

"I like the color of it, I thought it was going to be grey like other bridges and it turned out to be green," said seven-year-old resident Nolan Shubel.

The single span, 220 foot by ten foot steel bridge weighs 167-thousand pounds and had to be made in four parts. The structure then delivered in pairs.

Okemos resident, Stephen Zayko was among the dozens of others who gathered to see the new installment

"It's been pretty interesting seeing them put it together like a giant lego or retro set," Zayko said.

Currently the bridge is still under construction, but once completed it will provide a safe passage way for pedestrians and bikers to travel across the Red Cedar River. Which the Township says is the main objective.

"The existing path if you want to call it that is really an existing curb on the vehicle bridge which is not a safe situation and we knew that and we've been trying to get that resolved and this is basically what we needed to do," Ishraidi said.

And with two parks, a school, and a downtown area walking distance of the bridge, it will serve as a key link for non-motorized users.

"I think its great for the local area and developments for this part of the Township and I think it will only enhance the community," Zayko said.

Now that the bridge is in place, concrete will be poured each end of the bridge to lock it in place. Once that happens, it will take approximately 2 weeks before the bridge can be used.