Little Rock — Bridge Work Begins

Rail Transit Online, December 2002

Gilbert Central Construction Co. on Nov. 15 began modification of the Main Street Bridge over the Arkansas River, preparing the structure for the River Rail streetcar project.  The $1.59-million contract, expected to be completed next September, requires two of the four traffic lanes to be closed at any given time.  Trackwork and traction power on the bridge and its approaches will be installed under a separate contract beginning in late 2003, requiring further lane closures.  Track installation downtown should get under way early next year, according to Keith Jones, executive director of the Central Arkansas Transit Authority.  The $18.35-million, 2.2-mi. (3.54 km) line linking the central business districts of Little Rock and North Little Rock is expected to open late in 2004.  A $7.5-million extension has been proposed to the planned Clinton presidential library in east Little Rock.