The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department has released preliminary design ideas for a replacement for the Broadway Bridge. Among other details, the Highway Department said its initial commitment of $45 million for the bridge will be increased to $58 million, based on preliminary engineering studies. Twin-tied arch and cable-stayed designs (the latter of which won favor in an unofficial bridge design contest that Metroplan sponsored) were also considered, but deemed more expensive or more time-consuming to build than the designs below.

The existing bridge is safe and could be repaired, but highway officials have decided a wider span with better accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists is preferable to continuing repair. The closure could last 18 months or more. See more images below and make comment on the designs here.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article LR Board defers zoning ordinance that hampers vet center Next article Vets center followup