One of the most recognizable structures at Watkins Glen State Park is being replaced after more than a century, as crews install a new stainless steel bridge at the entrance to the park’s famous Gorge Trail.
The original Sentry Bridge, a stone-and-concrete arch built in 1908, has been closed since significant erosion was discovered in 2022, compromising the structure’s integrity at both ends.
The bridge served as the dramatic gateway to the Gorge Trail, carrying visitors through a tunnel-like entrance before crossing above one of the park’s waterfalls.
State parks officials temporarily installed an aluminum truss bridge while planning for a permanent replacement. Last summer, the park closed the main tunnel entrance and Sentry Bridge area for reconstruction work, though other portions of the Gorge Trail remained accessible.
According to project officials, the original bridge weighed roughly 112.5 tons. Its replacement — constructed from stainless steel — weighs about 15 tons and is designed to last approximately 100 years.
The new bridge features a contemporary half-arch design created by engineering and architecture firms schlaich bergermann partner and Snøhetta. It was constructed offsite in a single piece before being transported and installed as part of a $7.5 million infrastructure project.
Officials said portions of the original stonework are being preserved and incorporated into the approaches leading to the new bridge.
Additional work, including handrail installation and securing the structure’s north side, remains underway. The main entrance and full Gorge Trail are expected to reopen in July.
The Gorge Trail, one of the Finger Lakes region’s most visited attractions, operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. The two-mile trail features 19 waterfalls, steep cliffs and narrow stone pathways that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
During peak tourism season, portions of the trail operate one-way to manage heavy visitor traffic through the gorge.
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