Bridge to remain closed until repaired or replaced
GENTRY — The bridge over Flint Creek on Dawn Hill Road remains closed following the late April flooding which damaged the bridge’s support structure.
According to Kevin Johnston, Gentry’s mayor, “the debris that washed downstream accumulated under the bridge, causing the water to detour around the north abutment of the bridge, which caused scouring and undermining to the support structures of the bridge.”
The initial inspection of the bridge was performed by engineers with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. With the support structures under the bridge undermined, a corner of the bridge settled and caused the pavement to crack and a hole to open up. Until the support structures are repaired, the bridge is deemed unsafe for vehicular and foot traffic.
Ron Homeyer with Civil Engineering, Inc., of Siloam Springs, is the engineer involved with assisting the city with the planning of repairs. He has contacted GTS, Inc., for geotechnical testing services, according to Johnston.
“We are hopeful that we can obtain guidance in the coming weeks to allow us the opportunity to determine the best route for repairs,” Johnston said.
It is likely the bridge will remain closed for about two months before repairs are complete and it is safe to reopen the bridge, Johnston said. Cost for the repairs is at this time unknown. Johnston said the city, after it receives more information on the repair work needed, will have to consider whether it will be less expensive to make the needed repairs or to rebuild the bridge and raise it up in an attempt to prevent similar damage in the future.