A permanent replacement to the rector street pedestrian bridge one block to the north, the West Thames pedestrian bridge connects the financial district to the Battery Park City development. The 240 ft (73 m) long pedestrian connection sits 18 ft (5.5 m) above a heavily trafficked intersection, and will allow for a greater degree of pedestrian safety. The bridge features a fritted glass canopy with integrated snow and ice fences, to protect both the pedestrians on the bridge and the cars driving below. The canopy will follow the curve of the bridge and will allow for both natural and artificial lighting, as well as protection from inclement weather.  Elevators on either side of the bridge are also glazed, and feature integrated continuous-slot roof vents to limit heat build-up in the elevator enclosure. Custom brake-formed stainless steel channels clad the staircases which also house support spaces.