By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-992887.mp3
Crown Point, NY – On Monday afternoon, officials from New York and Vermont spoke before a contingent of "29ers", those who had attended the opening of the original bridge in 1929, and hundreds of other people from across the region to praise those who built the 70-million dollar bridge in record time. Federal Highway Administration NY Division Administrator Jonathan McDade.
New York Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy attended on behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Lake Champlain Bridge Community member Lorraine Franklin owns the West Addison General Store.
New York Assemblywoman Theresa Sayward said the bridge is more than concrete and steel.
Once the ribbon was cut, the hundreds who attended walked en-masse across the 22-hundred foot long span, following Governor Shumlin and Lieutenant Governor Duffy. Behind them, a parade of 1929 classic cars, a tribute to the original bridge built in 1929. About halfway across Governor Shumlin and Lieutenant Governor Duffy hopped onto the running board of the lead car to finish the ride to Vermont. As he reached his state, Governor Peter Shumlin said the bridge is an example of how the two states worked together for the benefit of their residents.
The bridge had a constant stream of traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians as the sun set on its first afternoon of public use.