New York State parks system is proposing to temporarily “shut off” Niagara Falls within three years to allow for the replacement of two 115-year-old stone arch bridges.
The plans would see the American Falls “dewatered” by diverting the upper Niagara River to the Horseshoe Falls in Canada while the work was carried out.
The two bridges, built between 1900 and 1901, provide pedestrians with access to Goat Island, but are deteriorating and temporary truss bridges were installed in 2004 over safety concerns.
If the plan is approved, it would be the second time the US side of the falls has been shut down.
The US Army Corps of Engineers diverted the water in 1969 to allow scientists to study the effects of erosion and the build-up of rock at the base of the falls, The Buffalo News reported.
As a result, workers found two bodies and millions of coins because of the reduced water level.
According to a report, the temporary bridges are an “aesthetically unappealing experience for park visitors”.
But restoring them to a working condition could cost up to $37.3m, the report adds.
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SOURCE: Sky News
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