The Reopening of Pont De Rennes Pedestrian Bridge

The Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge reopened Friday giving access to what officials say is the best view in Rochester.

Mayor Malik Evans, City Officials and representatives from Genesee Brewery and its parent company celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

The bridge, originally built in 1891 by Rochester Bridge and Iron Works, has a span of 858 feet and stands 114 feet above the Genesee River. It has been recognized as one of the premier locations to view Rochester’s skyline and the beautiful High Falls. It was converted into a pedestrian bridge in 1982, was named after our Sister City, Rennes, France, and listed on the National Historic Registry. The bridge's transformation and reopening only adds more value to it's long history.

“Today, we celebrate the completion of one of our most significant ROC the Riverway projects, the renovation of the Pont de Rennes,” Evans said.  “This bridge, along with the future High Falls state park below, will serve as a centerpiece for downtown—a space where residents and visitors can come together to celebrate Rochester’s natural beauty.

The $18.7 million rehabilitation project was made possible through funding from the New York State Department of Transportation, RG&E, and the City of Rochester.

“The reopening of the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge is a tremendous milestone in the revitalization of Rochester’s waterfront,” said State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.