PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Bikers and runners on Philadelphia's Schuylkill River Trail already travel past iconic sites like the art museum and Boathouse Row.



Now they get to walk on water.



After two years of construction, officials christened a new boardwalk off the river's banks on Thursday morning.



They cut the ribbon, opening the nearly $18 million structure to the public.



The boardwalk lengthens the popular exercise route by nearly a half-mile.



The winding, gray concrete pathway starts at Locust Street and extends about four blocks to connect with the South Street Bridge.



Federal, state and city funds paid for the project. When finished, the trail will stretch about 130 miles from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia.

