October 2, 2004 — An estimated 1,500 people attended the official dedication ceremonies of the new O'Rorke Bridge in Rochester on a chilly Saturday morning. The dedication ceremonies marked the end of one of the largest construction projects in Monroe County history as the new bridge opened and the 87-year-old Stutson Street Bridge was placed out of service.

Speakers at the ceremony included Rochester Mayor William A. Johnson Jr., Irondequoit Town Supervisor David Schantz, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, and more than 35 descendents of Colonel Patrick O'Rorke, the local Civil War hero for which the bridge is named.

"To see this magnificent bridge come to light is certainly breathtaking," said Ms. Brooks, who emceed the event. The bridge and related road and other work cost $104 million.

As part of the dedication ceremonies, a bevy of historical military units — including the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment with which O'Rorke served — were in attendance, some in period costumes. Also on hand were many Veteran's organizations and Irish heritage groups including a Sister City delegation .

The O'Rorke Bridge rises approximately 45 feet over the Genesee River, compared with the 24 foot clearance of the old Stutson Street bridge. The extra height will make opening the bridge a less-frequent task, this improving overall traffic flow in the area. With the opening of the new bridge, the Stutson Street Bridge is now scheduled for demolition.

On the morning of the dedication, Monroe County DOT employee Joan Neefe was profiled in Rochester's Democrat & Chronicle newspaper. Ms. Neefe is the first female bridge operator for the County and has come out of retirement to work on the new bridge.