Notice to Media

Helena Bridge Pedestrian Crossing to Close Temporarily

July 27, 1997 -- The U.S. Highway 49 Mississippi River Bridge pedestrian crossing service will be discontinued after 6:30 p.m. Monday night July 28, according to AHTD Director Dan Flowers. The 10 p.m. to 12 midnight crossing will not be allowed Monday night and will be unavailable all day Tuesday, July 29.

Closing of the crossing will be necessary so AHTD crews can start removing the pedestrian bridge and begin activities related to pouring the concrete deck.

It is anticipated that a pedestrian walkway may continue on Wednesday July 30 beginning with the 6:30 a.m. crossing. Those people who have been utilizing the pedestrian crossing should make other arrangements until this portion of the repair work is completed.

The bridge was closed July 16 after it was struck by a crane on a barge being towed upriver. It is predicted that beginning Monday, August 4 the U.S. Highway 49 bridge will reopen to vehicular traffic. Further details will be announced as they become available.

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