An engineering firm says an 85-year-old bridge could be used for at least 20 more years by most vehicles after repairs that would cost $509,000.
The bridge over the Little Red River was built in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department closed the bridge in 2007 because of a cracked crossbeam.
White County Judge Michael Lincoln said engineering firm Garver LLC of Little Rock told him the repairs would give the bridge enough strength to allow traffic up to school buses, but not commercial trucks, to start using it again on a daily basis.
The firm’s preliminary report has been given to the Arkansas Highway Department along with a request for approval.
The bridge is the only direct link between Judsonia and Kensett.