Who: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) welcomes the new footbridge to Watkins Glen State Park

What: New state-of-the-art footbridge (15 tons, 45-feet long) arrives at the entrance; will be lowered in place by crane

Where: Watkins Glen State Park Visitor Center, 1009 N Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (tomorrow); Estimated arrival by truck 9 a.m.; crane lift 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Photo: Flatbed truck carrying new bridge; crane moving bridge

Media RSVP: Due to construction zone, please RSVP to news@parks.ny.gov by Tuesday (4/21) 5 p.m. (Safety meeting tomorrow, 4/22, at the Visitor/Info Center at 11 a.m.)

Background:

In the fall of 2024, OPRHP announced the replacement of the Sentry Bridge at the entrance of Watkins Glen State Park. The new, sustainable span replaces the iconic 1908 concrete and stone footbridge that was compromised by time and weather. The old bridge weighed 112.5 tons. The new bridge is 15 tons.

The new bridge reinterprets the historic arch with a contemporary half-arch made of durable stainless steel. It will tie in the natural landscape with state-of-the-art materials. The bridge will now rely on the stronger rock of the gorge's north side for support, creating an enduring new symbol for Watkins Glen State Park.

Construction began in July 2025. The design came from a team led by the New York City studios of schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) and Snøhetta. The new bridge, part of the $7.5 million project, was constructed off-site and will be lifted into place in one piece. The trail with the bridge will reopen prior to the July 4^th holiday.

Other notes:

• Historic elements of the old bridge – stone facing – are being preserved
• It will be used in the stonework leading to both ends of the new bridge
• For the younger visitors, a special detail awaits: a built-in viewing window featuring a silhouette of the arch bridge, offering a subtle tribute to the structure that stood since 1908