MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The long-awaited pedestrian pathway bridge on Okemos Road over the Red Cedar River has officially opened. Members of the community gathered for the bridge cutting ceremony this morning, along with Township and County officials.

"It is so great for those Montessori kids... it's great for mothers with strollers, for bikers, for runners, for walkers," said Ingham County Commissioner Deb Nolan.

Many other speakers expressed their pleasure with the new bridge, including Okemos Public Montessori and Central Elementary School Principal Sue Hallman, who was glad that teachers will now be able to bring students to Wonch Park for out of classroom learning experiences.

Meridian Township Treasurer Julie Brixie also proclaimed her excitement after a decade of working towards the goal of installing this new bridge. "Because we have our pathway millage, and our residents care so much about safe transportation on the sides of the road for non-motorized vehicles and people, we are able to have this fabulous bridge."

After the ribbon was cut, the speakers and community members enjoyed a ceremonial 'first walk' across the new bridge.

The new pedestrian bridge is located on the west side of Okemos Road near Wonch Park.