Update: Pulaski County, LR & NLR Reach Agreement on Broadway Bridge
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: September 26, 2012
Pulaski County, Little Rock and North Little Rock leaders have reached agreement on the design of the proposed new Broadway Bridge.
In a letter dated Monday to Scott Bennett, director of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), the trio proposed that the current arch-truss bridge be replaced with a 21st Century version and recommended a twin inclined arch bridge.
"The use of an arch truss has historically provided an important function in bridge construction. It enables the bridge longer spans, which mean fewer piers in the water....All in all, a twin inclined arch bridge will provide safer transit options for those on the bridge or using the waterway," the letter stated, saying further that "The Broadway Bridge has and should both reflect the history and future of our community."
KARK 4 News reported in July that the cost to rehab or replace the 90-year-old bridge that connects the downtown areas of North Little Rock and Little Rock ranges from $16 million to $25 million.
Engineers with an Illinois-based firm ran a series of tests in June to assess the potential costs of getting rid of the current bridge.
The AHTD owns the bridge and has said it's willing to turn it over to the two cities. If the two cities decide to assume responsibility for the bridge, they could convert it into a pedestrian and bicycle walkway while the new bridge is built nearby.
Continuing Coverage:
Report: Broadway Bridge Rehab or Replacement Could Cost Up to $25 Million
Study Shows It's Cheaper to Keep the Broadway Bridge
Engineer Studying Cost of Broadway Bridge Conversion
Broadway Bridge Faces Looming Federal Deadline
Broadway Bridge Change of Plans
Broadway Bridge Renovation Plans & Drawings
In a letter dated Monday to Scott Bennett, director of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), the trio proposed that the current arch-truss bridge be replaced with a 21st Century version and recommended a twin inclined arch bridge.
"The use of an arch truss has historically provided an important function in bridge construction. It enables the bridge longer spans, which mean fewer piers in the water....All in all, a twin inclined arch bridge will provide safer transit options for those on the bridge or using the waterway," the letter stated, saying further that "The Broadway Bridge has and should both reflect the history and future of our community."
KARK 4 News reported in July that the cost to rehab or replace the 90-year-old bridge that connects the downtown areas of North Little Rock and Little Rock ranges from $16 million to $25 million.
Engineers with an Illinois-based firm ran a series of tests in June to assess the potential costs of getting rid of the current bridge.
The AHTD owns the bridge and has said it's willing to turn it over to the two cities. If the two cities decide to assume responsibility for the bridge, they could convert it into a pedestrian and bicycle walkway while the new bridge is built nearby.
Continuing Coverage:
Report: Broadway Bridge Rehab or Replacement Could Cost Up to $25 Million
Study Shows It's Cheaper to Keep the Broadway Bridge
Engineer Studying Cost of Broadway Bridge Conversion
Broadway Bridge Faces Looming Federal Deadline
Broadway Bridge Change of Plans
Broadway Bridge Renovation Plans & Drawings
Comments
For those of you among the 22,000 cars a day that the AHTD is unceremoniously re-routing, here's a link to help you imagine what your commute will look like for two years, SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE AHTD....remember, it doesn't HAVE to be this way, people.....the link is of a public art project at 248 West Fremont Street, Stockton, California. It's EXACTLY 22,000 Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, glued in place, just like your car is gonna be, burning gas at $4/gallon 'cos the HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT decided it was so.http://www.wrightrealtors.com/stockton/stockton-art.htm
Daniel L.
September 27, 2012 at 1:41 am
For those of you among the 22,000 cars a day that the AHTD is unceremoniously re-routing, here's a link to help you imagine what your commute will look like for two years, SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE AHTD....remember, it doesn't HAVE to be this way, people.....the link is of a public art project at 248 West Fremont Street, Stockton, California. It's EXACTLY 22,000 Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars, glued in place, just like your car is gonna be, burning gas at $4/gallon 'cos the HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT decided it was so.http://www.wrightrealtors.com/stockton/stockton-art.htm
Daniel L.
September 27, 2012 at 1:41 am
