Remaking a Landmark
For almost a century, the Broadway Bridge connected the downtowns of Little Rock and North Little Rock, Arkansas, serving daily as a popular means of passing between the two cities. When the Arkansas Department of Transportation decided in 2011 to replace the structure, issues developed because it was in the middle of a thriving metropolitan area, crowded by irreplaceable structures on both end points. In response, Garver’s design allowed for the twin-arch superstructure to be assembled on barges down-river, and then floated into place, limiting closure time to five months. Garver’s design services included approaching roadways and bridge lighting, and the four-lanes of traffic are enhanced by bicycle and pedestrian ramps.
Recipient of the 2018 ACEC Arkansas Grand Conceptor Award
Many of the engineers who worked on this project utilized the old bridge on a daily basis, so we knew of its importance. It was essential that we developed a design that not only minimized closure time, but also one in which both cities could be proud.John Ruddell Garver Bridge Team Manager
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