Notice to Media

Highway 64 White River Bridge set for Dedication Ceremony

LITTLE ROCK (7-30) – The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) is opening the new Highway 64 White River bridge at Augusta on Thursday, August 2, according to Arkansas Highway Commission Vice Chairman J. W. "Buddy" Benafield.

"The White River Bridge has always served as a main artery between north central and eastern Arkansas," said Benafield. "The old bridge has served the area well since the 1930s and this new structure will certainly benefit the area well into the future."

AHTD Director Dan Flowers and Benafield will join Augusta Mayor Thomas Huie and other local dignitaries for a dedication ceremony Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at the site to officially open the new structure.

According to Flowers, construction on the original bridge began in the summer of 1929 with a $614,734.90 price tag for the main truss spans and approach spans. The main span was completed in June 1930 and the final approach work was completed and opened for traffic in November of 1930.

The new bridge was completed by Jensen Construction Co. of Des Moines, Iowa under a $17.6 million contract. Work on the new bridge began in 1999.

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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