Stage Coach Road bridge being replaced

February 3, 2016 at 5:00 a.m.

by Susan Holland

Photo by Susan Holland Stage Coach Road is closed while work is being done on the bridge over Spavinaw Creek. Workers were busy last Tuesday removing the existing bridge in order to construct a new bridge. The new bridge, which will cost an estimated $389,811, is expected to be complete by May 27.
Photo by Susan Holland Stage Coach Road is closed while work is being done on the bridge over Spavinaw Creek. Workers were busy last Tuesday removing the existing bridge in order to construct a new bridge. The new bridge, which will cost an estimated $389,811, is expected to be complete by May 27.

GRAVETTE -- Stage Coach Road, also known as County Road 525, southeast of Gravette is closed in order to replace the bridge over Spavinaw Creek. Construction began Monday, Jan. 18, and is expected to end May 27.

The old bridge was still passable but has been deteriorating for many years and required more and more maintenance and repair work, according to Jeff Clark, county public services administrator and head of the road department. "It's been patched for many, many years," Clark said.

Record heavy rains at the end of December caused further damage to the bridge approach.

Stage Coach Road connects Arkansas Highway 72 to Mount Olive Road and is estimated to carry more than 500 vehicles daily. Road closing signs are now up and detour signs direct drivers to alternate routes, Clark said.

The new bridge will be 33 feet long and 24 feet wide. The replacement bridge is expected to cost $389,811.

Tom Sissom contributed to this story.

General News on 02/03/2016