Long version for those who find something of interest in IthacaDoodle's long descriptions: Well, we are coming into the final stretch of Election 2008 and we have certainly heard a lot about Governor Palin's "Thanks but no thanks on that Bridge to Nowhere!" in Alaska.
Apparently here in Ithaca, our leaders had no trouble saying "thank you very much" instead and thus we have our very own "Bridge to Nowhere" built in 2000 at the cost of $250,000+. I've never seen anyone use this bridge and decided it was time to check it out.
The bridge is intended to link two segments of the Black Diamond trail (which will be amazing when it happens - can't wait) yet neither one exists yet. What we have then is a fine "Rails to Trails" with the trails still to come 8 years after the bridge went in - just lots of brambles at the moment and no path on either end. The bridge is at the City of Ithaca / Town line and is meant to connect to the (planned) Gateway Trail, through Buttermilk Falls State Park and towards South Hill Recreation way. We were disappointed to find too that the bridge itself is blocked off as well which would explain why we've never seen anyone crossing up here. With that bright sea foam blue, it's not even a beautiful landmark to the southern entrance of our city, but this debacle is certainly worth a cache.
You are looking for a magnetic key container on one of the blue supports on the Northwest corner. Park at Home Depot and take one of the deer paths up. There is a patriotic flag pin for the FTF to wear on election day. No need to put yourself in danger at the edge but not recommended for children.