Bauxite Bridge Too Narrow For Comfort-- And Maybe Safety
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Bauxite Police Chief William Davis says it`s an unsettling equation: big trucks, heavy traffic and a narrow bridge.
Built in 1935, the Arkansas 183 bridge in Bauxite is 20 feet wide. Most 2-lane bridges, however, are about 30 feet wide. Chief Davis says the narrowness has caused dozens of accidents, usually at least one a month. "Who`s at fault?" he asks. "I say the bridge is at fault."
The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department agrees something needs to be done, but admits it will take a while. A department spokesperson says other projects are higher priorities right now and that people who use the Bauxite bridge will just have to wait.
Bill Nutt, who crosses the bridge everyday, says he has already waited long enough. He says until something changes, he`ll just hold his breath and hope for the best everytime he crosses.
