Spanker Bridge work to begin Dec. 3

Benton County will close down Spanker Creek Bridge at 9 a.m. Dec. 3, for a complete replacement.

Spanker Creek Bridge is located on Spanker Creek Road, just north of West McNelly Road.

Currently, Spanker Creek Bridge’s approaches are too short and the deck is too low, which causes washout and flooding any time there is heavy rain. This results in dangerous conditions for drivers and continued repairs.

Benton County will replace the current Spanker Creek Bridge with a 100-foot-long structure, which will increase the current length by about 50 feet. The plans include raising the bridge height and roadway approaches to the bridge, which will result in unrestricted flow during heavy rains and increased safety for drivers. This project to completely replace Spanker Creek Bridge is primarily state funded with a cost-sharing grant.

Benton County officials encouraged drivers who usually travel over Spanker Creek Bridge to begin taking detour routes now to adjust for timing. A map is included with detour routes highlighted.

Bentonville Schools have rerouted all school bus routes and no bus times or stops are expected to change as a result of this closure.

Benton County awarded the project to Crossland Heavy Construction in late September. The bridge is expected to reopen in May 2019.

The Spanker Creek Bridge is part of the county’s five-year bridge replacement plan, which also includes Osage Creek, Cow Face Road, Robinson Road, Coon Hollow Road, Columbia Hollow Road, Stoney Point Road and Honey Creek bridge.

For further Benton County communication needs, please contact Channing Barker at 479721-3364 or Channing. Barker@BentonCountyAR.gov.

Image provided by Benton County Spanker Creek Bridge, marked with a circle, will be closed starting 9 a.m. Dec. 3. Suggested alternate routes to McNelly Road are marked in red.