Notice to Media

Highway 49 Bridge at Helena to be Closed Approximately Six Weeks

July 17, 1997 -- The U. S. Highway 49 Bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Helena will remain closed approximately six weeks, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

The bridge was closed Wednesday morning after it was struck by a drag-line crane being towed up the river Tuesday night. An assessment by AHTD engineers Wednesday uncovered extensive damage to the steel support beams which hold up the concrete bridge deck. It was determined that the beams were damaged to the point that they would not adequately support the bridge deck and traffic on the bridge.

All the damage was limited to one 42-foot section of the bridge span, and work to remove the damaged span will begin immediately. Orders for replacement parts will be issued as quickly as specifications can be determined, and crews from the AHTD will work at all available times to make the needed repairs.

During the closure, travelers need to make alternate travel plans. The nearest crossing to the north is I-55 at Memphis which is approximately 90 miles away. To the south, the next crossing is in the vicinity of Lake Village, Arkansas/Greenville, Mississippi, a distance of approximately 140 miles.

For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: info@arkansashighways.com