Project Complete: Harrison Downtown Bridge Reopens

Several community members gathered in downtown Harrison Friday morning to witness the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new 65B Bridge over Crooked Creek.

The bridge, which was originally built in the 1930s, was closed in 2024 so a new bridge could be built. West Plains Bridge & Grading LLC built the new bridge which features wider travel lanes, a dedicated center turning lane, a traffic signal, and expanded sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.

The Director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation Jared Wiley spoke at the dedication as did Harrison Mayor Jerry Jackson, State Representative Ron McNair, and State Senator Bryan King. 

During his remarks, Wiley noted that ARDOT has worked on a dozen projects in the Harrison area over the last decade which includes completed project at the intersection of Highway 65, 43, and Rock Springs Road as well as the current work going on at the intersections with Airport Road, Wal-Mart Drive, Hester Drive, and Harness Street. Wiley also mentioned the upcoming widening project on Highway 65 between Industrial Park Road to Highway 7. 

Mayor Jackson added his thanks to the community for their patience as the construction closed the bridge for nearly three years.

The four speakers were also in the first vehicle that drove across the new bridge at the end of the ceremony with Mayor Jackson behind the wheel. (Photo courtesy City of Harrison)

The complete video from the ribbon cutting can be found on the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page.