Niagara Falls may be turned into a trickle for a while
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - New York officials are considering temporarily turning Niagara Falls into a trickle.
State officials are holding a public hearing this week to discuss plans for replacing 115-year-old bridges linking the mainland to islands near the brink of Niagara Falls. To do so, they might reduce the flow on the American side of the falls by building a temporary structure to redirect Niagara River water to the Canadian side.
The state parks and transportation departments said in an October report that the two concrete arch bridges need to be replaced. They provide pedestrian access to Goat Island for millions of visitors each year.
CBS affiliate WIVB in Buffalo reports the Niagara River would be temporarily dewatered to expose the rock between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The entire river flow would be directed to Horseshoe Falls.
According to the draft design, the American Rapids as well as the American and Bridal Veil Falls could be exposed five to nine months.
A public hearing is being held Wednesday evening the Niagara Falls Convention Center.