Dangerous timber bridge must go, city official says
Public works chief: Structure is ‘falling apart’; board expected to vote on $65,700 replacement today
A timber bridge that provides the only access to seven homes in Texarkana, Ark., is dangerous and must be replaced as soon as possible, according to the city.
The bridge over Rocky Creek on Rocky Creek Road is “falling apart,” and an emergency expenditure of more than $65,700 is necessary to replace it, Public Works Director Tyler Richards said.
The city Board of Directors is expected during its meeting today to authorize a contract for the replacement project.
Hart Construction of Hooks, Texas, submitted the winning bid for the job. Richards said he expects the work to begin in about six weeks.
Crews will replace the bridge with three concrete box culverts topped with pavement. During construction, a temporary bypass will keep the road open.
Funding for the bridge was not specified in this year’s city budget. It will come from the Public Works Department’s drainage improvement fund.
Dee Dee Rogers—co-owner of nearby Three Chicks Feed, Seed and Cafe—is one of the residents who must cross the bridge to get to their homes.
She called Richards’ attention to the bridge’s poor condition.
“It’s worse today than when I called them. It keeps sinking, and it’s dangerous,” Rogers said, describing rotting wooden piers and “holes that you can see through” in the concrete and asphalt platform they hold up.
The board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall, 216 Walnut St.