Ozark County Presiding Commissioner John Turner says progress has been made in the opening of roads and bridges. The area was one of the hardest hit by heavy rainfall which flooded local homes and businesses and stranded some families in April. Crews have been working daily to make repairs.
High winds Thursday and Friday night knocked down approximately 25 trees which hampered the road repair effort. Crews were busy getting those trees off the roadways over the weekend.
Turner says Patrick Bridge, which crosses the Northfork River, on Route H is open.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
The area, located near Althea Spring, is frequented by hundreds of locals and tourists over the spring and summer. There is no takeout for watercraft yet, but progress is being made.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
The Blair Bridge is a county bridge on Route KK and is open. It’s now one of the main routes out of Dora.
According to Turner the James Bridge at Highway PP and Hammond Bridge on Highway CC are still closed in both directions due to both bridges being washed away. The James Bridge is projected to open sooner than Hammond.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
The Warren Bridge, on County Road 328 is also in disrepair.
Listen:
right-click to download mp3
Float trips are still going to occur on the river. Dawt Mill, Pettit and Sunburst all intend to have pickup and drop off routes as they open.
Sunburst won’t have camping this year. Dawt Mill will have lodging opening Memorial Day weekend and Pettit Campground is open except for the lower end.
Sherry Pettit says they are planning a river cleanup with larger boats and a larger group cleanup in the near future.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI