WATKINS GLEN, NY (607NewsNow) – Critical work is progressing at Watkins Glen State Park.

On April 22, the new Sentry Bridge was lowered into place by a crane.

More work needs to be done to secure the steel structure, which replaces the original stone bridge that was constructed in 1908. The iconic stone bridge had been closed to visitors since 2022 due to safety concerns.

The new Sentry Bridge is lowered into place at Watkins Glen State Park. Credit: NYS Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

The $7.5 million replacement project was first announced in October 2024. Work began last summer on the new structure, which was constructed off-site to lower the impact on day-to-day operations.

State Park officials say they’re on track to open this summer.