Replacing Old Bridges

The right side of this photo is the 100-year-old Humphries Ford Bridge in Hardy, Arkansas. Hundreds of cars a week have been passing over this aging structure only inches above the Spring River.  When the heavy rains come and the river rises, local police and firefighters are often called to rescue drivers who ended up trapped trying to cross the river.  This week ARDOT and local officials proudly dedicated the new Spring River Bridge on the left side of this photo.

If ever one photo captured what failing infrastructure really means in Arkansas….. It might be this picture.

For 15 years local and state officials have worked together to plan and finance the new bridge that will be safer and more convenient to use. It will also make life easier for ambulance drivers who have been navigating their trucks over the frail bridge for years. The bridge will mean local folks can get to the hospital faster in an emergency and the drive from Hardy to Cherokee Village will be easier and faster.

Take another look at this picture. Phasing out dangerous and old rural bridges like this takes long term planning, and strong local leaders. But in the end, it means travel is easier and safer for people in Hardy and Fulton County.