Notice to Media

Helena Bridge to Reopen Ahead of Schedule

July 25, 1997 -- The U. S. Highway 49 Mississippi River Bridge at Helena will reopen to vehicle traffic Monday, August 4, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD). The bridge was closed July 16 after it was struck by a crane on a barge being towed upriver.

It was originally estimated to take approximately six weeks to repair the damage. However, as of this morning (Friday, July 25), all the materials needed to make the necessary repairs had arrived at the job site, and AHTD personnel continue to work 24 hours a day.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to accelerate the completion date on this project," said Highway Commissioner J. W. "Buddy" Benafield of Newport. "We know the negative economic and social impact this is having on the people in that area. It has been our goal from the beginning to get the bridge open as soon as humanly possible."

Benafield cited the cooperation of material suppliers in helping to speed completion. "It was obvious that getting the materials to the bridge and having them fit properly were key factors in this process," Benafield noted. "That and utilizing our own manpower from the Highway Department are the reasons this is happening as quick as it is.

"I can’t say enough about the Highway Department employees who have been on that bridge day and night through this," Benafield added. "They came from many areas of the state to work on this bridge and the job they have done is just tremendous."

To help minimize inconvenience to citizens in the area, a pedestrian walkway and shuttle service began operating Friday morning. Original plans were to operate this service in two shifts daily – from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Because of a need cited by area hospitals who have personnel working around the clock, a third shift from 10:00 p.m. until midnight has been added.

The shuttle service and pedestrian bridge will operate during the hours listed through Monday, July 28. At this time, no pedestrian or shuttle service is planned for Tuesday, July 29 to allow concrete to be poured for the bridge deck. Pedestrian service may resume Wednesday, July 30. Further details will be announced as they become available.

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