Saline County officials say "incredible progress" has been made since the final phase of the Old River Bridge restoration project began on March 11, 2024.
County officials posted the following video on their Facebook and X on July 5.
The bridge, built in 1889, is set to return to its original location over the Saline River between Haskell and Benton.
The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is also on the list of Most Endangered Historic Places.
The restored bridge will be a critical link in the proposed Southwest Trail, a multi-use trail from Little Rock to Hot Springs, providing the needed Saline River crossing for the trail while preserving an important piece of transportation history.
Central Arkansas Planning and Development District helped Saline County secure grant funding.
The Southwest Trail is a joint venture of Pulaski, Saline, and Garland Counties. Cities along the proposed trail have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to build the trail. Several cities along the route are building sections of the trail as funding permits and ROW has been obtained for other sections.
The project will provide a healthy non-motorized transportation option, along with recreational benefits. The trail is also expected to bring tourism and produce other economic development benefits for communities along the route.
In the video, Saline County Communications Director Trevor Villines said once the Old River Bridge restoration is complete, it will be the oldest bridge in Arkansas in its original location.
Villines said contractors drilled three sets of piers, "approximately 31 feet," into the ground on the banks and into the river in April and May.
Thirty-foot-tall Steel casings were erected on the site from June through July.
Concrete was poured in the first week of July for the steel casings on the Haskell side of the river.
According to Villines, contractors have begun work on the approaches for both sides of the river.
The approach includes a concrete bent supported by three steel pilings that will go about 40 feet into the ground.
Saline County officials say the project is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.
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