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.
Norfolk Southern Corp/Facebook 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.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Known for being one of the country’s oldest bridges, the Portage Bridge was constructed back in 1875.
The bridge has long been a favorite spot in the park to photograph, standing hundreds of feet above the Genesee River.
Wikimedia Commons
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.
John McCullough/Flickr
With Upper Falls being a favorite place to photograph due to the aesthetically pleasing Portage Bridge that falls in the background.
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Now that the park’s newest bridge is open for service, the old bridge will be taken down in pieces over the course of the winter.
Larry Neuberger/Flickr
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.
Letchworth State Park/Facebook 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!
Norfolk Southern Corp/Facebook
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.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Known for being one of the country’s oldest bridges, the Portage Bridge was constructed back in 1875.
Wikimedia Commons
John McCullough/Flickr
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Larry Neuberger/Flickr
Letchworth State Park/Facebook
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.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
