Beaver Bridge

Bridge being rehabbed including painting (consider delay of visiting)

https://www.4029tv.com/article/historic-beaver-bridge-gettin...

Here are a couple of night shots of the bridge from summer of 2020. The second shot has brake lights lighting up the towers and cables.

On top of every thing else the bus was 8.4 inches too tall. You can see the height sign pushed back as it went under the first tower.

Just saw the video showing the bus crossing the bridge.Can't believe how the bridge didn't collapse from the weight.The video shows everything.You can see the bridge deck moving under the bus.

Touring coach GVWR 53,000 lb or roughly 25 tons. Find and fine the bozo and his company.

https://www.prevostcar.com/sites/default/files/attachments/h...

Are you sure that the weight of the bus was "at least three times" the 10 ton rating? A quick google has much lower values than that.

https://www.apta.com/resources/reportsandpublications/Docume...

that states a typical (transit, can't find tour bus info) bus is curb weight of 20-33,000lb (10-16.5 tons), and GVWR 30-44,000lb (15-22 tons). Still way heavier than should be on the bridge, but 60,000lb/30 tons is far higher than I'd expect given that the maximum allowed weight for a semi (with far more axles) is generally 72,000lb/36 tons.

Fortunately, the bridge appears to have suffered no damage according to ARDOT, but the bus driver needs to fined at the very least

Let's catch the stupid bus driver for crossing this fragile bridge with an overloaded tour bus, shall we? This is SO not cool! https://bridgehunterschronicles.wordpress.com/2018/10/16/ove...

Bridge is currently under water again. Lots of flooding in the region

Please be advised that the ambiance of this quaint bridge at Beaver, Arkansas, as well as nearby Eureka Springs, is presently being threatened by a mega transmission corporation, SWEPCO and its parent corp. AEP. SWEPCO is attempting to construct a 345kV transmission line directly to the south of the bridge. The line would have 160 foot (16 story) towers, three times taller than the tallest trees in the area. From the bridge, or anywhere near the bridge for that matter, the poles would stretch out east and west as far as the eye can see. Anyone that loves this bridge and doesn't want it's integrity compromised can comment with the Arkansas Public Service Commission at http://www.apscservices.info/PublicCommentForm.asp?DocNum=13...

For more information go to http://savetheozarks.org/

Thanks!

I read the messages about when the bridge was built. Hope this helps. This is from the Beaver, Arkansas city web site:

The ferry continued until 1926, when a concrete bridge was built by the Carroll County road crew. This bridge stood until it was destroyed by flood in 1943. The present suspension bridge, now known as the "Little Golden Gate", was submitted for bid by the Carroll County Court in 1944. The contract was let to Pioneer Construction Company of Malvern Arkansas to construct the present suspension bridge on December 19, 1947, for a total cost of $107,785.93. At the same time, the Table Rock Dam was being built. The Corps of Engineers informed the Contractor that it was necessary to raise the construction some 40 feet; therefore the bridge was not completed until 1949. The bridge is now on the National Register for Historical Places.

http://www.beavertownarkansas.com/history.shtml

The Beaver Bridge could not have been built in 1943, as the original drawings were dated October 21, 1947. You can find them here:

http://www.arkansashighways.com/historic_bridge/old_bridge_p...

Dear Bridge Hunter

According to other sources

- http://www.arkansas.com/places-to-go/cities-and-towns/city-d...

- http://www.arkansasties.com/Carroll/Structures/Beaver.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_bridges_on_the_National...

the "Beaver Bridge" was built in 1943, NOT 1949, as stated above?

(I was searching for a birthday card picture of a bridge as old as my uncle, who is a retired Honorary Professor at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering)

Who is now right?

Kind Regards from Switzerland

Philipp Meier

If they ever needed a new road over the river, why not use the railroad bridge north of the beaver bridge?

Went over this bridge today on my bike. Neat area.

My father was the superintendent on this project. I made him very proud when I showed him these photos today.His name is Milla Blair, he is 95, in reasonably good health, and lives in Aurora, Co. his cell phone: 505-350-1437

Yes, the bridge is operational again. I crossed it on September 27th on a motorcycle trip up in that area.

Information on if this is operational again to traffic?

My wife and I again visited and photographed this bridge on Sunday, July 6, 2008. Bridge still closed but appears to be in quite good condition after all the flooding. Walked across the bridge and found it sound, but most likely will have to have a new deck put in. Water still too high to perform inspections by engineers underneath. Closing of bridge has killed economy of Beaver, Arkansas. Historic Beaver store closed and "For Sale". Fun just to get to walk across this historic bridge. We hope and pray it gets saved!

The Beaver bridge is still closed as of July 5. Water levels still too high, and the support structure at either end of the bridge is still under water. People were walking across it, though. The deck appeared to be in good shape, and all the visible support cables were intact and in good shape.

The Beaver Bridge remains closed. The water level is still too high to perform inspections. See: http://www.carrollconews.com/story/1406742.html

Anyone know if the Beaver Bridge is still closed and if there was damage from the flooding that would prevent its reopening when the water level falls? It is our favorite route to Eureka Springs from our home near Garfield on Beaver Lake. I am attaching one of my favorite views of the bridge from happer times.

Here is another link. It looks like the river is still rising. These photos were taken on 4-15-08. http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563071564FZtofu I have several inquiries out about getting permission to re-post some of these photos to Historic Bridges. So far no response , just have to make do with the links until then.

Here is a link to a page with a photo of the current flood stage at the Beaver Bridge. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchentable/msg0416040... This does not look pretty folks.

The Beaver Bridge is currently under water due to massive flooding in the area. AHTD is saying the bridge is most likely damaged and might not be able to be saved.

We crossed this bridge twice on our most recent vacation at Holiday Island, AR. It's beautiful -- my wife's aunt and uncle had a picture taken of themselves and the bridge for their Christmas card a few years ago.

So far, I guess Tyson hasn't convinced the state to tear the old girl down. They ought to just use the roads that are there or improve U.S. 62 if they need a better road. That's my stand.

I loved this bridge it was a marvelous part of the town. I was devasted when I heard the town might tear it down. It should be reconized as a national landmark it is lovely. The surronding enivorment is alway breathe taking

During a recent family vacation my family & I had the wonderful pleasure of crossing the Beaver Bridge. It happened upon chance that we found this treasure. Through our navigation system we requested the "back roads", little did we know what a beautiful & rare attraction we would find. It disturbs me to read that the bridge is being looked at by Tyson industries as a route to deliver goods. Let me just say. Leave it alone! We have enough interstates & freeways for you. What America doesn't have is enough hidden treasures! Thank you.

The relocation of Hwy 187 over “the long route to nowhere” is all about development and a truck route. The politicians should reconsider and invest for tourism and a Scenic Byway. Hwy 187 between Hwy 62 and Hwy 23 should be saved as much as possible for future generations to appreciate. The Highway Department is planning to destroy all the beauty for a truck route. HELP!

I love love love this bridge. It takes you back to a majical time and is situated in Beaver Ark. (one of the loveliest places on the planet.) It is featured in the new movie Elizebethtown, and should be cherished by all as a national landmark. Unfortunately the bridge is in danger of being torn down, due to special intrest group politics and tyson foods, wanting an easier way for trucking to go through this area. I sincerely hope this does not happen as a beautiful treasure will be lost forever, because of corporate profits.