Engineering Study Starts on Broadway Bridge, Temporary Lane Closures
By:
Updated: June 20, 2012
Engineers on Wednesday started inspecting the Broadway Bridge after crews temporarily shut down one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tiffany Williams, who commutes across that bridge each day, said this move is going to add to her drive time.
"It does affect my drive," Williams said, adding she thinks she'll spend an extra 15 to 20 minutes getting to and from work as a result.
Metroplan is overseeing the inspection. The purpose is to find out how much it will cost to rehabilitate the bridge, project how long it can remain in service safely, and ascertain how much it will cost to maintain each year.
The state highway department owns the bridge but it's willing to turn in over to Little Rock and North Little as part of that agency's plan to build a new bridge nearby.
Metroplan's Executive Director Jim McKenzie estimates the engineering study should be finished and in the hands of Little Rock and North Little Rock's mayors by July 4.
The two cities are considering converting the old bridge to a pedestrian bridge.
The structure opened in 1923, McKenzie said.
Engineering crews will continue temporary lane closures through Friday.
Tiffany Williams, who commutes across that bridge each day, said this move is going to add to her drive time.
"It does affect my drive," Williams said, adding she thinks she'll spend an extra 15 to 20 minutes getting to and from work as a result.
Metroplan is overseeing the inspection. The purpose is to find out how much it will cost to rehabilitate the bridge, project how long it can remain in service safely, and ascertain how much it will cost to maintain each year.
The state highway department owns the bridge but it's willing to turn in over to Little Rock and North Little as part of that agency's plan to build a new bridge nearby.
Metroplan's Executive Director Jim McKenzie estimates the engineering study should be finished and in the hands of Little Rock and North Little Rock's mayors by July 4.
The two cities are considering converting the old bridge to a pedestrian bridge.
The structure opened in 1923, McKenzie said.
Engineering crews will continue temporary lane closures through Friday.
