One of the oldest bridges in Arkansas to return to original location after renovations

Mattison Gafner
·1 min read
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BENTON, Ark.- The Old River Bridge is named one of the oldest bridges in Arkansas and it’s now about to return to its original home.

Built in 1889 and spanning 260 feet of the Saline County River, costing at the time only $5000, it has become a one-million-dollar renovation project.

“In 1889 the bridge was constructed and completed and had a vital role for the settlers to Saline County were able to travel from Missouri and make their way to Texas on the old Military Road,” Saline County Judge Matt Brumley said.

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The bridge was built along the Old Missouri Trail, now known as the Southwest Trail, spanning 65 miles between Hot Spring National Park and Little Rock.

After the bridge became inactive following an accident, it remained a fishing spot for residents of Saline County.

In 2018, the bridge was disassembled at the historical site. Then in 2021, the Old River Bridge was taken to Michigan for repairs and renovations.

“The bridge has been taken down sent for reconstruction and rehabilitation and brought back,” Brumley said.

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According to Trevor Villines, the Saline County Communication Director, the goal was to keep the original structure as much as possible while updating it to current safety and “modern engineering standards.”

Brumley said the bridge came back to Saline County in 2022 and has waited until its moving date back to its home.

“Today I’m proud to say the construction has begun to put that bridge back across the Saline River,” Brumley said.

Villines said the project wouldn’t be possible without the countless partners the project has and without the funding they have received.

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The Old River Bridge groundbreaking is scheduled for Mar. 7. The site is a historical location.

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