The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is making progress on a project to remove the pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River along Highway 106 at Alley Spring.
The pedestrian bridge was structurally damaged during the April 2017 flood and was closed to foot traffic while the park sought funding for repairs to the bridge and utility lines connected to the bridge. In February 2018, additional flooding caused further structural damage to the bridge, making it unsafe for visitors below. An emergency closure of the river beneath the bridge was implemented in April 2018. At that point, complete removal of the existing structure was determined to be the best option for visitor safety.
Work has been underway to relocate the utility lines attached to the damaged bridge into casing pipes under the riverbed. Moving the utilities under the river will protect them from future flood damage and weather-related impacts, improving reliability of the phone, electric, water and sewer lines that cross the river at that location. The installation of the lines under the river is nearing completion, and the removal of the pedestrian bridge is expected to begin by mid-February.
In preparation for bridge demolition, a temporary riprap causeway is being constructed between the pedestrian bridge and the adjacent highway bridge. The causeway will extend into the river channel and provide equipment access so that the pedestrian bridge can be cut into sections and removed by a crane. The existing concrete piers will be completely removed as well. After demolition is complete, all riprap material will be removed from the river and disposed of off-site.
The demolition project is expected to last several weeks, depending on weather conditions. Following completion of the project, the emergency river closure in that area will be lifted. The NPS will continue to pursue options for pedestrians to cross the Jacks Fork River at that location in the future.
The pedestrian bridge demolition project is being managed by FHWA. Robertson Contractors, Inc. from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is conducting the demolition. Alley Spring and the surrounding area are part of a significant historic and cultural landscape within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Best management practices will be implemented in order to minimize potential water quality impacts from debris and construction equipment.
For more information, contact park headquarters at (573)323-4236, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
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.
