News Release

Restoration of Ponca Low-Water Bridge to Begin Oct. 29

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Launching boats at Ponca low-water bridge, late 1970s.

NPS Archives

News Release Date: October 26, 2018
Contact: Lauren Ray, 870-861-2570

Buffalo National River, Ponca, AR – Restoration and stabilization of the historic Ponca low-water bridge will begin early next week. Constructed in 1943 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Ponca bridge made it possible for vehicles to cross the Buffalo River along the historic route to and from Jasper for several decades. Today, the low-water bridge is primarily used by paddlers, hikers, anglers, and swimmers to access the Buffalo River and area trails.
 
The Ponca low-water bridge is a contributing cultural feature in the Boxley Valley Historic District of Buffalo National River. Very few WPA-era bridges of its kind remain in the state of Arkansas. During a public comment period in 2006 over a proposed plan to remove the structure, the public exhibited overwhelming preference instead for its preservation. The forthcoming restoration work will include stabilization of the original bridge foundation, resurfacing of the road deck, and patching of weak spots throughout the structure.
 
This is one of several public transportation projects at Buffalo National River to be funded by the Eastern Federal Highways Program. Federal Highways Administration officials awarded the project bid to Kovilic Construction Co., Inc. of Franklin Park, Illinois. Work will begin October 29 and last approximately 40 days, contingent upon weather delays. The public should expect restricted access and periodic closures of the bridge during this time. This may affect access to the canoe launch, Beaver Jim Villines Homestead, and the Buffalo River Trail to/from Boxley and Steel Creek. The public is urged to have alternate plans in case the bridge is temporarily closed during their visit.
 

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Ponca low water bridge from upstream on the Buffalo River

Marysia Jastrzebski photo

Motorcyclists cross the Ponca low water bridge with river at high levels

Marysia Jastrzebski photo