DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) – After a delay, the Town of Dryden is preparing for a major phase of a recreational project.

Construction crews were scheduled to begin installing the Dryden Rail Trail footbridge over Route 13 in late September, but unexpected delays pushed the work to next week.

Officials anticipate installation of the bridge on Oct. 21 and 22. Once completed, it will connect the Eastern and Western portions of the rail trail.

Crews have been working on the project since earlier this year, after the DOT approved a roughly $3.175 million bid for the footbridge portion.

When the entire project is completed, the trail will span 14 miles from Dryden Lake to the East Ithaca Recreation Way, running through Freeville, Etna, and Varna.