IMBODEN, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is soliciting public feedback for a project to replace the aging Spring River Bridge in Imboden.
The bridge, which has stood since 1937, is nearing the end of its structural lifespan, according to Dave Parker, ARDOT's head of communications. Speaking at a public input meeting held Thursday, Parker emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the project’s timeline and addressing potential challenges.
“We are the engineers and we’ve studied it,” Parker said, “but we rely a lot on the people who live there and use this bridge every day. They may bring up a concern or offer a perspective we hadn’t considered—whether it’s about timing or other factors.”
Parker said the bridge replacement is primarily a matter of public safety. While there is no immediate danger, he explained that the aging structure could be at risk if it suffered additional damage.
“If it were to have further damage, and possibly a fracture, it’s not the type of bridge that could redistribute the pressure to other portions,” Parker said. “So, the bridge would give in. It’s not near that now, but it just needs to be replaced.”
The proposed new bridge will be constructed near the existing one, which will remain open during construction to minimize disruption for residents and travelers. The updated design includes 14-foot-wide lanes to accommodate modern traffic and sidewalks for pedestrian use.
The department is accepting public comments on the project until Oct. 29. Feedback can be submitted online through ARDOT’s project dashboard.
For more information or to share input, residents are encouraged to visit the ARDOT website or contact the department directly.