Newly built bridge opens over North Fork River

NORFORK — A new bridge over the North Fork River in northern Arkansas is open.

The Baxter Bulletin reported that after about 18 months of construction, crews opened a new bridge Tuesday in Baxter County. The bridge crosses the North Fork River into Norfork.

Norfork Mayor Jim Reeves said he wasn't aware of the bridge's opening until his grandson called him about it. He says construction crews simply opened the bridge and moved on toward dismantling the old bridge.

The old bridge was built in 1936 and was designated as structurally deficient by federal officials. It was similar to a bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis, killing 15.

The old bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Officials plan to place a historical marker for the bridge.

Upcoming Events