The One Bridge You'll Want To Visit In New York Before It's Gone Forever
By Lea Monroe|Published December 27, 2017
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Lea Monroe
Author
Writer for Only In Your State. Scribbling about all things New York and Buffalo related while also keeping you updated on the latest travel news! Inquiries: Lmonroe@onlyinyourstate.com
Known for being one of our greatest state parks, Letchworth State Park of Wyoming County is filled with more history than you may realize. Sitting along the Genesee River, this month the park has now begun to see trains from the Norfolk Southern line travel across its newest steel arch bridge. To find out what this means for the historic Portageville Bridge that it currently stands right beside, keep reading below.
After much debate from residents around New York, the beginning of Letchworth State Park's newest steel arch bridge means the end is near for the historic Portageville Bridge.
Two years ago, construction of the park's newest bridge began, sparking a debate around the region as to what this would mean for the historic bridge that has long stood above the Genesee River. Residents did their best to try and save the historic bridge, suggesting the idea of creating a pedestrian walkway similar to something like the Walkway Over The Hudson. Sadly the battle was lost and soon this piece of history will be gone.
Whether you know it as the Portageville Bridge or simply the Portage Bridge, the iconic landmark has been here longer than you may have realized.
Letchworth is known for having three major waterfalls that can be found along the river, attracting adventurers and photographers from all over the country each year.
Over the course of 2018 the park will focus on taking down the Portage Bridge, with all construction and restorations to the park due to be completed by next September.
Open all year long, those who wish to see the old Portage Bridge before it's completely taken can visit Letchworth State Park this winter to enjoy this piece of history before it's gone forever. With construction taking place in the park though you may find that certain roads and trails are closed. To stay up to date with what's happening in the park check out Letchworth's official state park page or their Facebook for more information.
Have you paid a visit to Letchworth since its newest bridge has gone up? Before the bridge is gone, we want to see your photos. If you have shots of the Portage Bridge, be sure to share them with us in the comments!
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