Little Rock, Arkansas – The City of Little Rock is moving forward with the removal of the West Markham pedestrian bridge after officials determined the structure could not be safely repaired following a collision earlier this month.
Demolition work is expected to begin Tuesday, with preliminary preparation already underway on Monday. City officials said the contractor has up to 14 days to complete the project, but they expect the bridge to be fully removed by the end of the week if work continues as planned.
The pedestrian bridge was damaged on July 13 when a large truck struck the structure near the intersection of West Markham Street and Dennison Street. Following the crash, the area was closed while engineers inspected the bridge and evaluated the extent of the damage.
After reviewing the structure, engineers determined that the bridge was damaged beyond feasible repair, leading city officials to move ahead with demolition rather than attempting restoration.
West Markham Street between Barton Street and Thayer Street has remained closed since the crash. During the demolition process, drivers are being asked to use posted detour routes or select alternate roads to avoid delays and maintain safety around the work area.
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Little Rock police are continuing to investigate the crash that caused the damage to the bridge. Officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Once the demolition is completed and the area is considered safe, the City of Little Rock plans to reopen West Markham Street for regular through traffic. Officials said restoring access to the roadway will be a priority after the bridge removal is finished.
The city also said it will explore possible options for replacing or rebuilding the pedestrian bridge after the current structure has been removed. Any future plans will likely depend on evaluations, design considerations and available resources.
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The West Markham pedestrian bridge has served as an important connection for pedestrians in the area, and city officials said they recognize the need to consider long-term solutions while addressing the immediate safety concerns caused by the damage.
Residents and drivers traveling through the area are encouraged to remain aware of construction activity, follow traffic signs and allow additional time when using nearby roads during the demolition period.
