Carroll County, Arkansas – Motorists and festivalgoers can breathe a sigh of relief this fall as the ongoing construction on the Little Golden Gate Bridge, also known as the Beaver Bridge, will temporarily pause to accommodate local celebrations. The bridge, located on Highway 187 north of Eureka Springs, has been undergoing a retrofit of its stringers, with closures scheduled throughout the week. However, officials have announced that the bridge will remain open during key festival dates to ensure smooth travel for attendees.
The bridge is typically open to traffic Friday through Sunday while work continues during the week. To help manage the increased flow of vehicles during fall festivities, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has scheduled additional open days. The bridge will be accessible on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 2, for the popular Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival, and again on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9, for the Hillberry Music Festival.
Construction crews will continue their work on other weekdays, with closures set from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 29; Tuesday, September 30; Monday, October 6; and Tuesday, October 7. Outside of these dates, bridge work will proceed Monday through Thursday during the same hours. These closures are necessary to safely retrofit the bridge’s stringers, ensuring long-term stability and safety for drivers.
Travelers are encouraged to pay attention to the digital message boards, construction barrels, barricades, and signage that will be in place to notify them of closures and detour routes. The City and ARDOT are working to minimize disruptions while balancing the need for infrastructure improvements with the community’s festival celebrations.
“Scheduling the bridge to remain open during these major festivals helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and supports local events,” said a city spokesperson. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as crews complete these essential upgrades.”
Festival attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check official sources for updates. Additional travel information, including detour routes and work schedules, is available at IDriveArkansas.com and ARDOT.gov.
With fall festivals drawing visitors from across the region, temporarily pausing bridge work during these events ensures that travelers can enjoy the festivities without unexpected detours or delays. While construction remains a priority, officials are committed to supporting both safety and accessibility, striking a balance between progress and community celebration.
The Little Golden Gate Bridge work is expected to resume its full weekday schedule following the festival dates, allowing crews to continue retrofitting the structure and maintaining its long-term reliability for drivers in the Eureka Springs area.
