Notice to Media

Highway 70 bridge at DeValls Bluff to be Closed Approximately 2-3 Months

March 19, 1998 -- The Highway 70 bridge across the White River at DeValls Bluff will be closed to traffic at least two months, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

The bridge was damaged Wednesday, March 18 when the easternmost pier was struck by a barge being towed downstream. The impact caused considerable damage to the pier which supports the bridge deck.

The AHTD is assessing the damage and investigating repair options, but repairs are estimated to take 2-3 months. An underwater inspection will be conducted to determine the extent of any damage that may have occurred below water level.

A detour has been established utilizing Highway 11 north out of Hazen and Highway 33 north out of Biscoe. Both those routes intersect with I-40 which will carry traffic across the White River. The AHTD is also considering making improvements to Webb Lake Road, a nearby county road, to shorten the detour route.

The river is closed to barge traffic at this time due to the accident. The lift span on the bridge is currently in the down position which prohibits barge traffic from passing under the bridge. Raising the lift span could cause additional damage to the bridge, possibly lengthening the repair time and increasing the cost.

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