FORT LEE, N.J. — The George Washington Bridge’s newly renovated South Walk is back open, giving pedestrians a dedicated path across the Hudson River while cyclists use the North Walk.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reopened the fully accessible South Walk on Thursday, Oct. 15, completing a major upgrade to the bridge’s pedestrian and cycling routes.

The 1.5-mile walkway features wider, gently sloping approach paths, improved lighting, new signage and enhanced safety features. The upgrades also include viewing areas on both sides of the river and improved access for wheelchair and stroller users.

On the New Jersey side, a new entry plaza along Hudson Terrace connects pedestrians to the bridge and nearby Fort Lee Historic Park. A new crosswalk was also added along Hudson Terrace.

The New York entrance at Cabrini Boulevard and West 178th Street features a widened approach and a new staircase leading to an outdoor viewing platform.

The South Walk reconstruction was tied to the replacement of all 592 suspender ropes connecting the bridge’s main cables to its roadway decks. The rope replacement was completed in March 2025 as part of the Port Authority’s $2 billion Restoring the George program.

The South Walk closed in February 2023 for the work, forcing pedestrians and cyclists to share the North Walk until the southern path was ready to reopen.

In 2025, more than 637,000 trips were recorded across the North Walk, highlighting the demand for a safe route across the bridge.

Now, pedestrians will use the South Walk exclusively, while cyclists will use the North Walk. The separation is intended to reduce conflicts between walkers and riders.

Both paths will remain accessible around the clock, except for scheduled overnight cleaning. The South Walk will close from 12:01 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, while the North Walk will close during the same hours Tuesdays and Fridays. During those periods, users will be directed to the open walkway, where pedestrians and cyclists may share the path.

The project is part of a broader rehabilitation of the George Washington Bridge, which is approaching its 100th anniversary.