LEWISTON, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC) announced the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge will be closed for more than a month this spring.
The NFBC says beginning April 1st the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, New York NEXUS Enrollment Center and two miles of the Niagara Scenic Parkway (formerly known as the Robert Moses Parkway) will be closed to accommodate the Robert Moses Parkway Overpass Removal Project.
The closure will be in place from April 1st to May 5th with a scheduled re-open to take place on May 6th at 7 a.m.
“For the safety of the traveling public, as well as Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff members, the Commission has made the decision to close the Whirlpool Bridge and the Niagara Falls, NY NEXUS Enrollment Centre for one month’s time during the Robert Moses Parkway Overpass Removal Project” said Kenneth Bieger, general manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.
To assist NEXUS travelers, the Lewiston-Queenston and Rainbow Bridges will offer extended hours of NEXUS lane availability.
The hours are as follows:
Canada Bound - Lewiston-Queenston Monday-Sunday 7am-11 pm, Rainbow Bridge Monday-Sunday 7am -11pm.
U.S. Bound - Lewiston-Queenston Bridge Monday-Friday 6am–8am, Rainbow Bridge Monday-Sunday 7am -11pm.
The construction project will remove a two-mile stretch of the former Robert Moses Parkway which includes the removal of a 1,700-foot viaduct overpass which passes directly over the bridge.
"The end result of this Robert Moses Removal Project will be an expanded waterfront and added Niagara River Gorge access for residents, tourists, and visitors,and new green space within the local trail system. We’re committed to doing our part to ensure the completion of this project proceeds unimpeded” Bieger said.
