BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) – According to a preliminary report conducted by an engineering firm, the historic War Eagle Bridge is capable of withholding repairs.
The bridge’s safety was called into question, after state inspections revealed problems with the bridge’s support system.
The bridge, which has been in Benton County for more than 100 years, was placed under load-bearing restrictions in 2015 following those reports.
The county has been presented three options for preserving the bridge, and it’s capability to withhold larger weight limits.
The engineers provided short term, mid-term, and long term repair proposals to Benton County Judge Bob Clinard.
Details about the basics of the proposals are as follows:
Option A: Short term solution
- Cost= $711,837.40
- Weight capacity= 12 tons
Option B: Mid term solution
- Cost= $870,813.40
- Weight capacity= 15 tons
Option C: Long term solution
- Cost= $1, 017,990.40
- Weight capacity= 15 tons
The report also detailed what exact repairs would be made under each option, while also explaining where the cost projection came from for each one.
Clinard told 5NEWS he intended to present the three options to the Benton County Quorum Court at their next meeting.
Clinard added the county had received a grant, which would pay for a significant portion of any plan they chose. However, Clinard said the county would have to consult with those who provided the grant, to make sure their funding would be applicable towards the engineering firm’s three potential plans.
Clinard also briefly discussed the possibility of the county considering building a bypass at another location, which would guarantee safe passage through the region for another century, while also preserving the War Eagle Bridge.
