In this June 14, 2001, file aerial photo, the United States side, foreground, of Niagara Falls is viewed in Niagara Falls, N.Y. NY officials are considering temporarily turning Niagara Falls into a trickle.
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According to a report from CNN, a report from the New York State’s park and transportation agencies included a proposal to build new bridges in the place of the two existing 115-year-old ones.
That would shut down water flow in the river bed and provide a dry area for demolition and replacement of the two deteriorating concrete arch bridges that span the river rapids.
The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, which carry 85 percent of the water now, would carry 100 percent during the American Falls’ shutdown.
Curious members of the public got to look at three options Wednesday night for a new bridge system to replace spans that now link downtown Niagara Falls to Green and Goat Islands. The second plan being considered would require a nine-month dry spell, from April through December.
Under one plan, the American and Bridal Veil Falls would be stopped from August through December, said The Associated Press.
Can you image Niagara Falls with the tap turned off?
This will not be the first time it has happened if the plan is approved, as in 1969 the American side of the falls had its water diverted using what is referred to as a cofferdam. “I really like the idea of restoring it to keep with Frederick Law Olmsted’s design”, he said.
It was done once before for a 1969 study of erosion. These bridges were built over a century ago by craftsmen, and the carefully-constructed stoneworks should have lasted a thousand years.
The public has until February 10 to submit public comments. However, while it might be disappointing to see the hotspot all dried up, officials are confident the unique sight is a novelty and will attract a good chunk of visitors who want to take a glimpse of the bare rock formations underneath the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
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“I know the message will be well-received by the world and will want to come see this, some twice in a lifetime but for many once in a lifetime experience”, said John Percy, Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation President and CEO.
