By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER

marcie@bradfordera.com

Work has resumed at Kinzua Bridge State Park to renovate and rehabilitate the Skywalk, a popular tourist destination in Mount Jewett. Park manager Alan C.

Johnson said, ‘Currently, contractors are back on-site and have begun the work of removing and replacing rivets along the bottom flange of the superstructure.

‘Over the winter months, the contractor worked on the creation and submittal of shop drawings related to the project.’

Johnson said the project is on track, with just more than 20% of the project complete, with 6% of the physical work completed.

The park is still open the picnic areas, playto visitors. ground, General Kane ‘The park office and Trail and observation visitor center, along with deck will remain open to the public during the project,’ Johnson said.

However, ‘In addition to the Skywalk and the Kinzua Creek Trail being closed, the MJ2KB trail is also closed about 3/10ths of a mile before reaching the Skywalk. Bicyclists and trail users are being detoured into the park along Viaduct Road and are encouraged to follow the detour signs that have been put in place.

‘There may be temporary impacts to visitors regarding construction equipment mobilization along Viaduct Road but those will be very limited in nature.’

He shared that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is planning another work stoppage in

Skywalk… page A-8

The construction work to ensure the Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk’s longevity is underway and on track, according to manager Alan C. Johnson.

Era file photo time for the spectacular fall foliage season at the park.

“Closures of the Skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail will be suspended, and both areas will re-open to the public from early August through the end of October,” Johnson said. “While these areas will re-open to the public in early August, visitors should note that parking will be limited as most of the overflow lot is occupied by construction equipment and materials.”

According to the DCNR, maintenance is required to ensure the longevity of the popular Skywalk.

“The work was planned after a structural safety inspection determined that, while the Skywalk remains safe, it needs some maintenance to ensure its longevity,” officials announced.

The multi-year project, which began at the end of 2024, will replace and add new steel to some areas of the supports that have been impacted due to exposure to the elements. The Skywalk and Kinzua Creek Trail will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the project so the decking and railroad ties can be removed.

Work is expected to conclude in fall 2027, but will be stopped during winter weather.

In addition to maintaining the structural integrity of the Skywalk, some improvements will also be made to enhance the visitor experience, DCNR said. This includes installing new Plexiglas at the end of the Skywalk, as the old glass section had become foggy and difficult for visitors to peer into the valley below their feet. The renovations will also replace the handrails along the Skywalk, and workers will blast, clean and paint all of its steel portions.