Little Rock, Arkansas – The City of Little Rock announced plans to demolish the pedestrian bridge over West Markham Street after engineers determined that the structure was too severely damaged to be safely repaired.
The decision follows an incident Monday involving a large dump truck that struck the bridge near the intersection of Markham and Dennison streets. Following the crash, engineers inspected the bridge to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine whether repairs were possible.
After reviewing the condition of the structure, engineers concluded that the impact caused damage beyond what could reasonably be fixed for continued public use. Based on that assessment, city officials said demolition is the safest and most practical option.
The damaged bridge removal will require additional planning, and the city’s Public Works team has started the process of finding a qualified demolition contractor. Officials are currently seeking proposals from companies with the necessary experience to complete the work safely and efficiently.
Until the demolition process is completed, West Markham Street between Barton Street and Thayer Street will remain closed indefinitely. The closure applies to both motorists and pedestrians as officials work to protect public safety in the area.
Drivers are encouraged to use the marked detour routes or choose alternate roads while the closure remains in place. City officials said the temporary traffic changes are necessary because of the condition of the bridge and the potential risks associated with the damaged structure.
The city has not yet announced a specific demolition date. Once a contractor is selected, officials will establish a timeline for removing the bridge and will provide an expected target date for reopening West Markham Street.
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The bridge demolition is expected to be an important step toward restoring normal traffic flow in the area. Officials said they will continue monitoring the project and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Residents and commuters who regularly travel through the area are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for detours while the closure continues. The city said the priority remains completing the work safely while minimizing disruptions for the surrounding community.
