Mississippi County, Arkansas – A major bridge closure is set to affect drivers in Osceola later this spring, as roadwork shifts into a full replacement phase that will temporarily cut off a key route west of South County Road 535.
The Highway 119 bridge over Ditch Number 2, located on W. Semmes Avenue, will close continuously from 8 a.m. Monday, June 1, through 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, according to transportation officials. The work zone sits just west of E. Village Road, an area that regularly carries local and through traffic in the region.
The project is weather dependent, but if conditions hold, crews will use the closure window to replace the bridge superstructure. This is one of the more significant phases of the repair work, requiring full access to the structure and no vehicle traffic crossing the site during construction. Officials have confirmed that Highway 119 will remain open only to local traffic on each side of the closure, meaning drivers will still be able to reach destinations up to the blocked section but will not be able to pass through.
For many residents in Osceola, the closure will likely mean longer travel times and detours for nearly two weeks. The area is not heavily urban, but it serves as a connector between county roads and nearby state highways, so even short trips may require rerouting.
A signed detour route will guide motorists around the construction zone. Drivers heading to the east side of the closure will be directed to take Highway 119 west to South County Road 503, then south to Highway 140. From there, they will continue east on Highway 140 to Highway 61 before heading north on Highway 61 back to Highway 119.
For those trying to reach the west side, the detour works in the opposite direction. Traffic will travel east on Highway 119 to Highway 61, then south on Highway 61 to Highway 140. From Highway 140, drivers will move west to South County Road 503 and finally head north back to Highway 119.
Officials say multiple warning systems will be in place ahead of and during the closure. Digital message boards, construction barrels, barricades, and clear signage will be installed to alert drivers well in advance of the work zone. The goal is to reduce confusion and keep traffic moving safely through the surrounding network of roads.
Even with these measures, delays are expected, especially during peak travel hours when local traffic mixes with detour routes. Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and stay alert when approaching the affected area.
For additional updates and real-time travel information, motorists can check IDriveArkansas.com or visit ARDOT.gov. These platforms will provide the latest details on construction progress, weather delays, and any adjustments to the schedule.
Once completed, the bridge replacement is expected to improve long-term safety and reliability along Highway 119, though for now, residents and commuters will need to navigate a temporary but necessary disruption to their usual routes.
