The new U.S. Highway 70 (Broadway) Bridge crossing the Arkansas River is officially open.
Only north-south vehicular connectivity across the Arkansas River is currently available. Massman Construction Co. will spend the following weeks completing the tie-in of the southbound off-ramp that will carry traffic to westbound State Highway 10. Additionally, the 16-foot shared-use path will not open for several weeks as Massman works to tie-in ramps on both sides of the river to the Arkansas River Trail. Announcements will be made as these features become available.
Motorists can expect occasional lane closures on the bridge as the contractor works to complete miscellaneous items. The lane closures will occur during offpeak times (outside of commute hours and on weekends).
A ribbon-cutting and commissioning of the new bridge will be held in the west parking lot across from Dickey-Stephens Park on Thursday, April 6 at 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to participate in this celebration. More information will be forthcoming as plans are finalized.
A 180-day closure period was included in Massman’s $98.4 million bid to replace the Broadway Bridge. The construction contract included an incentive clause of $80,000 per day bonus if the projected was completed before the 180-day period. The early completion of the bridge in 152 days qualifies Massman for the  incentive.
Press release courtesy of ASHTD.