New York, NY —

The world's tallest pedestrian bridge opens to the public Saturday, 70 miles north of New York City. The Walkway Over the Hudson spans more than a mile over the river, and more than 200 feet over the surface. WNYC's Jenna Flanagan has more.

REPORTER: Neighbors, supporters and fans of New York's newest state park gathered at the river's edge to celebrate the reopening of the 120-year-old rail bridge. The public celebration lit up the Poughkeepsie night sky with a fireworks display, and the bridge walkway illuminated with hundreds of blue paper lanterns. Walkway board member Teresa Gill says the park is a highly anticipated addition to the Hudson Valley.

GILL: The Community is fully behind it. It's going to bring a lot to the City of Poughkeepise as well as Highland. I really expect it to revitalize the area.

REPORTER: Gill says workers have spent the past year laying a smooth concrete walkway atop the rusty bridge skeleton. The Walkway Over the Hudson is accessible from the Poughkeepsie Metro North Station or across the river at Highland.

For WNYC, I'm Jenna Flanagan.