Plans are being proposed to shut down the American side of Niagara Falls, an event that last happened more than 45 years ago. Buffalo News reports representatives from the New York State parks system want to shut the water off to replace two 115 year old stone bridges. These bridges provide access to Goat Island for pedestrians and park vehicles.

An erosion study conducted in 1969 is what led to the first attempt to shut off the waterfall. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were able to successfully divert water away from the American side and towards the Canadian side using a cofferdam.

The deterioration of the bridges is not a new issue. In 2004, temporary truss bridges were put in place, and those remain to this day. It's been a challenge to raise the money to fund the necessary work. It's expected it will cost between 21 and 37 million to get the job done. The project is expected to take around 2 years.

While the American side will be shut down, Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side will remain open.

More From WRRV-WRRB