A series of road, trail, and bridge projects are underway for eight locations within Ozark National Scenic Riverways to repair damage from the devastating 2017 flood that destroyed many features and facilities along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers.
Repair work began in May and is expected to be completed prior to summer 2022. The length of time needed to complete work at each site is dependent on the complexity of the repairs, weather, and river conditions. Each of the projects could result in slight disruptions to normal activities if roads, trails, or nearby areas need to be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of visitors and workers. The projects will begin at different times, with some running concurrently.
Repair of roads and asphalt has begun in the Pulltite Campground and at Baptist Landing. Additional road repairs will be completed at Powder Mill Campground and along Peavine Road near Big Spring.
Trail repairs are planned for the Lower Welch Spring trail and the River’s Edge trail near Big Spring Campground.
Work to replace the footbridge on the Alley Spring hiking trail will begin this week and is expected to take approximately two months. The previous wooden bridge is being replaced with a more sustainable steel bridge that is several inches higher than the original, to reduce the chance of future flood damage. Wood fascia and accents will match the aesthetic of the Alley Spring historic district. Replacement of the nearby pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River is also planned but has not yet begun. Once that project is underway it is expected to last approximately five months. The new pedestrian bridge will be constructed at the same height as the adjacent vehicle bridge on Highway 106, with fewer piers in the river so that it is less visually intrusive than the previous bridge.
These flood recovery projects are being coordinated with the Federal Highway Administration and its Emergency Relief for Federally-owned Roads Program, which has provided funding, planning expertise, and project oversight for the repairs.
For updates on project timelines or temporary closures associated with these repairs, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, visit the park’s Facebook page, or call (573) 323-4236.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.
