Skip to main content

VIDEO: Broadway Bridge defies demolition experts, for a time

October 12, 2016
A 100-year old steel arch bridge in the United States stood firm for a time against the blasts laid down by demolition experts.

The structure connected the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock in the state of Arkansas. It carried U.S. Route 70 but was finally closed on 28 September.

Although Broadway Bridge, spanning the Arkansas River, was built almost a century ago, the steel arches were added 60 years later as part of a strengthening project to the under-structure to widen the river navigation channel.

Danny Straessle, spokesman for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, said the bridge was an example of just how tough many of the century-old bridges were.

Five hours after the explosions and shortly before 15:00 hours on 11 October, the weakened bridge finally gave up the ghost.

An %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal Arkansas Times report Visit www.arktimes.com website false http://www.arktimes.com/ArkansasBlog/archives/2016/10/11/big-bang-on-broadway-set-for-10-am false false%>shows the remains of the bridge lying on its side in the river.

Related Content

  • Webinar - Powering ITS anywhere, anytime with solar energy solutions
    December 8, 2016
    SES America (SESA) is hosting a webinar on 15 December, dedicated to solar ITS solutions, from 1300-1400 ET, 1000-11000 PT. The webinar, Powering ITS anywhere, anytime with solar energy solutions, will discuss the seven myths about solar-powered DMS (dynamic message signs) and why the rise of solar power has paved a way for ITS. It will also discuss how to calculate an optimised solar ITS system. More information and details of how to join the webinar are on SESA’s website.
  • ARTBA calls for more bridge repairs in US
    February 18, 2016
    The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) is calling for more bridge repairs in the US. There are still too many structurally deficient bridges in the US according to a recent analysis. This report states that while there were 2,574 fewer structurally deficient bridges in 2015 compared to the number in 2014, there are still 58,500 on the structurally deficient list. Worse still, at the current pace of bridge investment it will take at least 21 years before these bridges are all replace
  • Underground excavators are offered by Hidromek
    January 6, 2017
    A special version of Hidromek’s HMK220LC excavator is now available for use in underground applications. This machine features additional reinforcement and protection to ensure its longevity in the tough underground application, as well as providing extra safety measures for the operator. The same Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified engine and hydraulics components are used as in the standard machines, although additional after-treatment systems are available to meet underground working requirement
  • Underground excavators are offered by Hidromek
    February 6, 2013
    A special version of Hidromek’s HMK220LC excavator is now available for use in underground applications. This machine features additional reinforcement and protection to ensure its longevity in the tough underground application, as well as providing extra safety measures for the operator. The same Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified engine and hydraulics components are used as in the standard machines, although additional after-treatment systems are available to meet underground working requirement