CLEVELAND — The final two pieces of a $16 million project were completed on Thursday with the opening of a trail and bridge near downtown, Cleveland Metroparks officials announced. 

The Wendy Park Bridge and Whiskey Island Trail officially opened Thursday to conclude the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery trails project. The bridge’s final cost was $6 million while the cost of the trail was $3.6 million, Cleveland Metroparks said. 

The new 500-foot bridge connects the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Wendy Park on Whiskey Island and Lake Erie. Metroparks said the bridge improves access for pedestrians and cyclists to these locations.

The Whiskey Island Trail now forms a connection from Edgewater Park to Wendy Island Park for pedestrians and cyclists. Previously, runners and cyclists were forced to navigate roadways full of blind turns and traffic. 

The project completes a network of more than four miles of trails. The project connects 66,000 Cleveland residents centers of employment, schools and entertainment and provides a link to downtown and the lakefront, Cleveland Metroparks said. 

"We are so grateful to Cleveland Metroparks for its expert execution of this vision for a more connected and accessible lakefront for Cleveland,” said Halley Moore, Wendy Park Foundation. “So many public, private and non-profit organizations came together to make this happen—it wouldn’t have been possible without a substantial team effort. We are thrilled that the Wendy Park Bridge, which will be known as Wendy’s Way, is now open for use along with its massive network of connected trail systems. We expect significant positive economic impact for our community, along with improved health and well-being of those who choose to get out and enjoy them."