It’s the region’s first new span over the Grand River in 50 years.

The $52-million Fairway Road extension and bridge project opens to public traffic at noon today.

Waterloo Region’s Senior Manager of Design and Construction John Stephenson tells 570 News the innovative design of the bridge means it does not sit on piers in the water like other bridges in the region.

He says this is the most durable design, with an expected life span of at least 100 years.

Stephenson says the entire extension will help out with traffic going to and from the 401 in Cambridge, by alleviating some congestion on the 7-8, Victoria and Freeport.

The bridge also includes bike lanes and a three metre-wide multi-use trail and sidewalk — which Stephenson says is much wider than normal.

There are also plans to add look-out points and connections to the Walter Bean trail next summer.