Every time the Little Golden Gate Bridge to Beaver, where the White River meets Table Rock Lake, goes underwater because of heavy rainfall, fans of the one-lane suspension bridge fear it might be closed permanently and replaced with a new bridge without the pleasing aesthetics of one of the most photographed scenes in Northwest Arkansas.
The bridge has recently undergone replacement of the wooden deck and the railings. District Engineer Steve Lawrence of the Arkansas Department of Transportation in Harrison said estimated cost to do the upcoming work is $150,000, not including equipment and labor.
Temporary closure
For Phase I, expected to last through the middle of September, the bridge will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. During the expected three-month duration of Phase II, the bridge will be closed from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
“We are estimating the closure for Phase II to be three months in length, but hopefully it can be done in less time if the weather and everything else cooperates,” Lawrence said. “We realize that it is definitely an inconvenience and we are going to do everything practical to minimize the closure time. The bridge will continue to be open weekends from 5 p.m. Fridays until 9 a.m. Mondays.”
Lawrence said the recent flooding contributed to the need for this work, but it is basically just a result of time and exposure to the weather, traffic, and other elements such as rising water levels.
“The wood deck was last replaced in 2002 and we are not exactly sure when the superstructure was last painted,” he said. “So, the bridge is definitely in need.”
The bridge built in 1949 is 11 feet wide and 554 feet long. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only suspension bridge in the state still open to traffic.
Glad to see it being maintained.
Did ARDOT change their work schedule since they announced the closing in late August? They said the bridge would be closed Monday through Thursday, reopening for evenings and overnight use, during phase 1. This article shows it being closed Monday through Friday. I’m curious as to which is more accurate. I would hate to see people driving the long way around if the bridge was actually open on Fridays.