REPLACEMENT REQUIRED BEFORE TRAFFIC CAN PASS
Tammy Curtis, Managing Editor/Publisher
On Jan. 23, the bridge on Peace Valley Road, in Ash Flat was closed and deemed unsafe for travel.
The following day, Mayor Larry Fowler and city employees met with inspectors from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department Bridge division. Fowler said the men surveyed the damages and performed a complete inspection on Span Two at the west end of the bridge. The inspectors returned to Little Rock to present their findings and discuss and implement ways to expedite the repair or replacement process. Fowler said the inspectors will return to complete the inspection on the east end of the bridge on Span One.
Workers with the city of Ash Flat began rerouting traffic around Garner Hill Road as soon as the shutdown was announced. Many who had already been out and were headed back to their homes along the route were forced to go several miles out of the way to return to their homes, including down County Line Road, Agnos Road, Highway 56 to Bates Road to Horseshoe Bend or even to Glencoe for those living in Horseshoe Bend. Locals utilized other routes based on the location of their residence.
Today, ArDot returned their findings in an official report. Ash Flat Mayor Larry Fowler, explained that news of the critical need for replacment was not something many wanted to hear. The bridge is a main thoroughfare for the city and those who live in nearby Horseshoe Bend. The mayor said, “An on site inspection of the bridge over North Big Creek, bridge number 19622 on Peace Valley Road in Ash Flat was recently conducted by ArDOT. The inspection has shown that the superstructure is in critical condition. The steel beams in both spans have serious deterioration and section loss. Crushing is indicated in all beams in both spans at the interior support. These deficiencies have been assessed and it was determined that the bridge is unable to safely carry vehicular load as it was intended. The city is in the process of securing bids for demolition and reconstruction of this vital roadway into our town and we are working with various state officials and organizations to resolve this as quickly as possible. Peace Valley Road will be closed to any through traffic until replacement can be completed. Detour route from the West end coming into town is: Garner Hill Rd. to Orr Ave. to Peace Valley Rd. It is well marked with signage. Please travel this route with caution for these roads are narrow and please be courteous when crossing the low water crossing on Orr Ave.”
With impending flooding to begin as early as this evening, Jan. 29, Fowler said the city already has a plan in place in the event of flooding of the nearby lowwater crossing that is being utilized by locals as an alternate route. “We have plans in place for the possible flooding tomorrow. I have been in contact with the school and county officials and have a plan worked out for emergency services from Horseshoe Bend if they are needed during high water.”
Mayor Fowler realizes it is a major inconvience for residents, but safety is the most important factor.
This news agency will provide updates as they become available, first on our socials and also in an future edition.