A restoration project for a historic bridge on the Buffalo National River is set to get underway. Work at the Ponca low-water bridge will begin Monday, and weather permitting, the project should last approximately 40 days.
The restoration is one of several public transportation projects at the river to be funded by the Eastern Federal Highways Program. Federal Highways Administration officials awarded the project bid to Kovilic Construction Company, Inc., of Franklin Park, Illinois.
The bridge was originally constructed in 1943 by the Works Progress Administration to make it possible for vehicles to cross the river along the historic route to and from Jasper for several decades. It’s currently used primarily by paddlers, hikers, anglers and swimmers to access the river and area trails.
Restricted access and periodic closures of the bridge should be expected during construction, and access to the canoe launch, Beaver Jim Villines Homestead and the Buffalo River Trail between Boxley and Steel Creek may be affected. The public is urged to have alternate plans in case the bridge is temporarily closed during their visit.
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