STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Following nearly a year and half of construction-related delays, the shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the new Goethals Bridge is finally set to open.

The new path, which the Port Authority had originally said would open by the end of summer 2018, will officially open to the public on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

“We are committed to creating more ways to link communities throughout our region. This new shared-use path on the Goethals Bridge opens up dedicated and safe access for residents who want greener recreational and commuting options or those looking for a way to appreciate the scenic views as they cross this impressive span,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.

The 10-foot-wide walkway/bikeway, located along the northern edge of the New Jersey-bound span, will offer not only a scenic view for pedestrians and bicyclists, but also another commuting option for Staten Island and New Jersey residents.

“Cycling and walking are environmentally friendly ways to get around, and we want to expand these opportunities at our facilities whenever possible," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

"We commend the Port Authority for finally making the new Goethals Bridge fully inclusive for all New Yorkers,” said Rose Uscianowski, Transportation Alternatives Staten Island organizer. “The Goethals Bridge is a crucial link between Staten Island and New Jersey.”

ABOUT THE DELAYS

This past October, Port Authority officials claimed that the shared use path, itself, had been completed since the opening of the new bridge, but issues surrounding safe connections have held up the process.

“It became clear that allowing cyclists over the bridge and into Staten Island would put them in an unsafe condition, since as soon as they exited the Goethals path, they would be on Goethals Road North, which is the main entryway for trucks accessing the New York Container Terminal,” Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said at the time.

The agency has since worked collaboratively with the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJ DOT) and the City of Elizabeth to develop safe connections on both sides of the bridge to ensure smooth transitions for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

(Courtesy of DOT)

STATEN ISLAND ACCESS

The new Staten Island access path, outlined by the DOT in October, allows access to Forest Avenue without requiring cyclists and pedestrians to dangerously travel into oncoming, heavy truck traffic.

Those exiting the bridge’s shared-use path will turn left onto Goethals Road North, circling around Western Avenue to Gulf Avenue, and then turning left onto Forest Avenue.

The same route is used in the reverse direction for those accessing the bridge in the New Jersey-bound direction.

A combination of on-street and off-street paths are used to provide cyclists and pedestrians a safe and efficient route, separated from motor vehicle traffic.

“On foot or on two wheels, traveling between our two states has historically been a big challenge – so we thank the Port Authority for working with us to make the bridge and the New York City approaches more accessible. Those traveling across the state line on bike or by foot can now enjoy a great and sustainable trip complete with views for miles – never mind a trip free of all tolls," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

Here is how the access will work:

(Courtesy of DOT)

Goethals Road North, from bridge entrance to Western Avenue

Minimal changes were required along this stretch due to the 10-foot south sidewalk already being wide enough to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians exiting and entering the bridge’s shared use path.

The only change made was a reduction in the left-most travel lane from 14 feet to 11 feet to facilitate the creation of a 3-foot buffer to separate cyclists and pedestrians from vehicle traffic.

(Courtesy of DOT)

Western Avenue, from Goethals Road North to Gulf Avenue

Cyclists and pedestrians use the west sidewalk, which has been widened and channelized from 6 feet to 8 feet, with two 4-foot lanes in each direction.

The 48-foot travel lane on Western Avenue was slightly reduced to 45 feet, allowing for the installation of another 3-foot buffer for added protection.

(Courtesy of DOT)

Gulf Avenue, from first bend to National Grid west driveway

Due to an inability to widen the sidewalk along this portion of the route, cyclists are rerouted onto designated bike lanes on the roadway.

Previously, this part of Gulf Avenue consisted of a 32-foot travel lane with parking permitted on both sides.

Now, the roadway has been modified to include a 13-foot travel lane, 9-foot parking lane, 2-foot buffer and two, 4-foot bike lanes.

The parking lane and buffer are used to separate cyclists from vehicle traffic.

(Courtesy of DOT)

Gulf Avenue, from Staten Island Expressway ramp

At this point, cyclists are rerouted back onto the sidewalk, which was already wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians and did not require any physical changes.

The 8-foot south sidewalk has been divided into two, 4-foot shared paths, keeping cyclists and pedestrians away from trucks exiting the Staten Island Expressway.

(Courtesy of DOT)

Forest Avenue, from Gulf Avenue to Goethals Road North

The final stretch -- Forest Avenue, from Gulf Avenue to Goethals Road North -- saw no changes to the existing roadway, with both lanes and existing channelization remaining in place to accommodate wide turning trucks.

Instead, cyclists and pedestrians now use the east sidewalk, which previously consisted of a 6-foot grass strip, 4 feet of sidewalk and a 5-foot utility strip.

Now, the utility strip has been removed, creating two, 4-foot shared paths in either direction, as well as a 2-foot buffer from vehicle traffic.