Motorists who commute to and from Izard County into Ash Flat will soon see easier travel access as the City of Ash Flat is making strides in construction of the new bridge off Orr Road.
According to Ash Flat Mayor Larry Fowler, the project has seen some delays.
The bridge was condemned and closed by ARDOT back in January and we were hoping it would be a lot further along, but the spring flooding really put us behind. My initial goal was to be back up by this year’s school season, but that will not happen so our goal now is September,” Fowler said.
During this year’s rainy season, between record rain fall and frequent flooding, Fowler said there were significant challenges due to the flooding.
“In 2024, the low water crossing we’re using now as part of the detour, I had to close that one lane bridge once, but this year we’ve already had to close that route eight times,” Fowler said. “Last Thursday we got the first head wall poured and yesterday the second head wall poured.”
Fowler said now the crews will back fill and let the head walls sit approximately one week, and during early august will pour the final head wall in the center.
“I’ve got to get in touch with NAEC because there is a power line in the way for us to set the bridge deck itself but within the next two weeks people will be able to see the bridge deck being set,” Fowler said.
The new bridge will be approximately 30 inches taller than the former bridge.
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