Notice to Media

Highway 49 Bridge to Reopen by August 15
    Pedestrians May Cross Beginning July 25

July 23, 1997 -- The U. S. Highway 49 Bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Helena will reopen to vehicle traffic by August 15, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD). The bridge was closed after it was struck by a drag-line crane being towed up the river on July 15.

A temporary pedestrian bridge has been brought to the site and installed across the damaged area. While repair work on the bridge continues, pedestrians will be allowed to cross the bridge between the hours of 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. each day.

A shuttle service will be provided to transport pedestrians from a parking area at Helena Marine to the repair area where they will disembark and be allowed to walk across the temporary structure. Shuttles will be located on the east side of the bridge repair area to take passengers to the parking area at Lady Luck Casino. Shuttle service will only be provided between the parking areas and pedestrian bridge. Pedestrians should make their own arrangements for transportation to and from the parking areas.

A toll-free number has been set up for those people wishing to receive updates on the bridge repair and times of operation for the shuttle service. The toll-free number is 1-800-442-9909 and will be available beginning July 24. The number will be staffed 24 hours a day.

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: