Peace Bridge design captures public support

       The cable designs were considerably higher than the arched span proposal, and had drawn criticism because they were said to likely impact migratory birds in the corridor. Environmentalists also favored the design preferred by the public because the location of its piers minimized the effects on fish habitat, according to the paper.

      Design selection is one of the few remaining issues in the decades-long effort to build a new bridge. Officials hope a final environmental impact statement can be submitted in July, according to the newspaper's report. Bridge officials are also said to be considering the cost and construction issues of replacing a proposed elevated ramp for vehicles exiting the bridge plaza with a tunnel under the Niagara River. Design of a new truck plaza for the bridge has also been a major source of controversy, due to encroachment into the Columbus Park neighborhood and the required demolition of a significant number of homes.