Arkansas builds "Big Dam Bridge" for $12 million

Comprising 3,463 linear feet of bridge elevated 65 feet above the navigation channel, and 653 feet of walled embankments, the bridge over Murray Lock and Dam will be the second longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world. It will be the longest bridge specifically constructed as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the world, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The bridge will have a 14-foot wide deck, capable of handling pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It will be constructed with weathering steel girders to minimize the requirements for future maintenance.

The bridge unites about 17 miles of scenic riverside trails in the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, and may in the future connect with 7,000 acres of various city, county, state and federal park land. ...

The $12-and-a-half million, 4,300 foot bridge rises up to 90 feet above the Arkansas River. More than 3,400 feet span the Arkansas River, while gradual approaches make up the remainder of the span. It was funded primarily with federal transportation dollars, with Pulaski County chipping in $4 million.