The Erie Canal Harbour Development in New York has estimated the proposed bridge to connect downtown Buffalo with the Outer Harbour will cost nearly $100m.

The proposed bridge is one of the four alternatives studied for a link from the Erie Street at its northern most point to a Ganson Street site at its southern most location.

The bridge, when built, will provide a link between the inner and outer harbours in Buffalo after 50 years since the earlier 110-foot-long South Michigan Avenue Bridge over the City Ship Canal was destroyed in 1959 by a runaway ship.

The final decision on the location of the bridge is expected to made only after June 2011.

New York will receive approximately $300m from the federal government for infrastructure work across the state.