National Grid Bridge Benefits Trail System at White Brook Stream

Provides Access to Over 17 Miles of Overhead Transmission Lines, Connects Network of New York State Trails

SYRACUSE, N.Y. National Grid today unveiled a new oak bridge at White Brook Stream in the Town of Perinton. The company, along with partners the Town of Perinton and the New York State Canal Corporation, collaborated on a project to replace a worn foot bridge with the new structure that is projected to last over 50 years.

Located off of Lyndon Road in Fairport, the new bridge provides access to miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, connecting the Crescent Trail to the Rochester Syracuse & Eastern Hikeway/Bikeway Trail and the Erie Canalway Trail. National Grid maintains, owns, and operates over 17 miles of overhead transmission lines in this area.

The replacement project is part of National Grid’s continued investment in safety, reliability and power quality for its upstate New York customers. The former bridge is estimated to be at least 30 years old.

“National Grid supports projects that promote the safety of our crews and customers,” said Melanie Littlejohn, upstate New York executive director of National Grid. “The Perinton bridge replacement project provides safe access for crews to maintain the company’s overhead lines, and provides hikers easy access to miles of beautiful, local trails.”

The Town of Perinton allowed National Grid and their contractors to utilize its lands to access the project site and construct the bridge.

“From the beginning, the Town of Perinton understood how important the new bridge was to National Grid,” said Eric Williams, assistant to the Commissioner of Public Works for the Town of Perinton “It’s essential for any utility provider to have safe and permanent access to the infrastructure they are responsible to operate and maintain. The bridge provides that type of access. National Grid was responsive to our questions and constructed the bridge with minimal impact to the public.”

The New York State Canal Corporation provided work and occupancy permits required for the project. The timber bridge which was placed on Canal lands is owned by National Grid.

“The collaboration efforts between National Grid, the Town of Perinton and New York State Canal Corporation have been paramount to ensuring the local connection to the Erie Canalway Trail,” said Brian U. Stratton, director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “1.5 million people use the Erie Canalway Trail which generates nearly $253 million in economic activity from visitor spending statewide. This heavily used section of the trail is an economic engine for this community and ensuring the success of Perinton is of great importance to New York State.”

Perinton is recognized as one the top 10 “Trail Towns” in the United States by the American Hiking Society and the National Parks Service. The Crescent Trail is the premier footpath within the town. Over 35-miles of trail wind through wooded hills and scenic wetlands. The trail connects to the historic Erie Canalway Trail and the Rochester Syracuse & Eastern Trolley Trail.

National Grid strives to integrate care for the environment in every business decision and daily operation. With a proud tradition of sustainability and support of employee health and wellness programs, National Grid looks to promote projects that have a lasting impact on the communities it serves and where its employees live and work.

For more information on National Grid’s commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement, please visit www.nationalgridus.com/commitment.