Notice to Media

DeValls Bluff Bridge Reopens

May 1, 1998 – The U. S. Highway 70 White River Bridge at DeValls Bluff reopened to vehicle traffic this afternoon, according to Dan Flowers, Director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).

The bridge was damaged Wednesday, March 18 when the easternmost pier was struck by a barge being towed downstream. The impact caused considerable damage to the pier that supports the bridge deck. Jensen Construction Co. of Des Moines, Iowa was awarded an emergency contract for $410,000 to repair the structure in a bid opening held Monday, April 13.

"Original estimates indicated the bridge might be closed for up to 3 months," Flowers noted. "We’re very pleased that the repairs were made in a timely manner. This has been a tremendous hardship on those that rely on the bridge daily. Getting it open as quickly as possible has been our top priority."

The river has also been closed to barge traffic during this time due to the accident. The lift span has been inspected and normal river traffic has resumed.

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