Two newly constructed bridges signify a major step in the Toronto Port Lands redevelopment effort, say the projects’ partners.

The Cherry Street North and Commissioners Street bridges have opened for vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist traffic. About 500 acres of once under utilized Port Lands are to be redeveloped as part of an urban renewal project headed by Waterfront Toronto.

Funded by three levels of government, Waterfront Toronto partners with the city’s waterfront secretariat and community, public and private sector organizations to create shore-area parks, public spaces, cultural amenities and commercial and residential real estate developments.

The two bridges connect the future Villers Island to downtown Toronto and are part of Waterfront Toronto’s $1.3-billion Port Lands flood protection project. The infrastructure developments are central to the district’s revitalization and regeneration effort, according to the partners.

The bridges were designed by Toronto-based Entuitive, Germany’s Schlaich Bergermann and U.K.-based Grimshaw Architects. Halifax-based Cherubini fabricated the structures and Mississauga, Ont.-based EllisDon oversaw construction.

“Waterfront Toronto is one step closer to completing one of the province’s most exciting projects,” said Entuitive Principal Michael Meschino in a news release., referring to the Port Lands redevelopment. “And, the creation of crucial infrastructure, a place to live, work and play, will be a truly remarkable transformation.”

Entuitive led the joint design effort. The two new structures are among four completed Port Lands bridges.