Judsonia Bridge

I was able to visit both bridges May 1, 2010 and take some pics that I thought you might like to see. A car was able to pass over the Road Bridge after unlocking both gates, and we were fortunate to witness the BNSF train passing over the RR Bridge.

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/26/judsonia-bridge-could-cost-509k-repair/

An engineering firm says an 85-year-old bridge could be used for at least 20 more years by most vehicles after repairs that would cost $509,000.

The bridge over the Little Red River was built in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department closed the bridge in 2007 because of a cracked crossbeam.

White County Judge Michael Lincoln said engineering firm Garver LLC of Little Rock told him the repairs would give the bridge enough strength to allow traffic up to school buses, but not commercial trucks, to start using it again on a daily basis.

The firm’s preliminary report has been given to the Arkansas Highway Department along with a request for approval.

The bridge is the only direct link between Judsonia and Kensett.

I visited the Judsonia Bridge on 8-4-08 and found that there have been gates placed at each end to prevent vehicle traffic from entering the bridge. The gates and posts looked like they had been placed very recently because the welds and bare metal parts were not rusted.

The gates were humg on hinges and a chain and padlock placed on the free end. I saw this as hope that the bridge would be repaired and reopened. If it were permanently closed, I don't think there would have been reason to place moveable gates.

While walking out onto the bridge, just the weight of my body caused a few creaks and rattles. Jumping up and down caused several more rattles.

Pictures #11 and #13 on the main page are actually of the railroad bridge just to the east of this bridge.

This bridge is still closed as of 16 April. There is gravel piled at both ends of the bridge so it doesn't look like it will be repaired anytime soon. However, no traffic on the bridge gives one a great opportunity to wander around it and look at the details. It's a very unique design for the area!

FYI Just heard on the news that this bridge has been closed to all traffic until further notice for repairs. I hope they don't tear it down. It seems they are trying to fix it, but the cost could be over $50,000.00.

Visited this bridge on Saturday, 10 Feb. 2007, at 2 pm.

Like all wooden deck bridges, the boards rumble when crossing but its plenty sturdy. The center span no longer swivels, but the steel casters that permitted pivoting are intact on the center pier.

Underneath this bridge by the western abuttment, there were carcasses of at leat 10 geese or large ducks; along with your standard deer hunters discards.

About 1/4 mile upriver is an old railroad bridge that also used to pivot on center column. The operator house and some mechanism is still visible and I believe the rail line is in current service.

At one end of this bridge is a tall rusty water tank and an incinerator stack from an abandoned plant.

Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.

this is one freaky bridge to drive over thought the bridge was going to go everytime i drove over it and i thought the old iron bridge in allegan michigan was scary