The city of Yonkers started work Thursday on the second phase of a project that aims to build a bridge to a greener future.

The work on the so-called daylighting project included laying steel over the Saw Mill River to create a pedestrian bridge that will connect Mill Road to North Broadway.

The project, which is funded with city and state money, is part of a push to renew parts of Yonkers, and to showcase the Saw Mill, a tributary of the Hudson River.

Ann-Marie Mitroff, of the nonprofit Groundwork Hudson Valley, said the work is critical. "It means that we get a little bit of green and water and resources and joy back in our lives," she said. "In urban areas, that's a big deal."

Residents have expressed support for the project. "I don't mind paying the increase in property taxes because I know that it helps the value of the neighborhood," said Yonkers resident J.B. Fonfrias.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.