MADISON, Wis. -- Madison's first completed stimulus project bridges the gap for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Aberg Avenue pedestrian bridge is the first finished project in Madison funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The project took about a year to complete.

The bridge connects the Starkweather bike path allowing north and south bike traffic.

"And it's not only important in terms of stimulating our economy and helping us beat the recession, but this is also an extremely important project for bikers and pedestrians in the city of Madison because it really makes a north-south connection that's incredibly important in our communities," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Madison has accepted about $37 million in stimulus money.

Officials said the Aberg bridge project helped to create 34 jobs.