Big Dam Bridge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Pulaski County Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, better known as the Big Dam Bridge, is the newest bridge to span the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Arkansas, over the Murray Lock and Dam, and is open only to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. At 3,463 linear feet in length, the bridge is the longest pedestrian-only bridge built for that purpose in North America. The longest in the United States is the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri at 5,350 linear feet, but it was originally a highway bridge.

The nickname was given by Pulaski County Judge F.G. “Buddy” Villines, who was concerned about financing needed and was quoted to say, "We're going to build that dam bridge." (He insisted he was referring to its location on a dam, and was not using the mild expletive.) The total construction cost was $12.5 million.

The opening ceremony was on Saturday, September 30, 2006. Local politicians boasted the Big Dam Bridge will boost the local economy and also contribute to the local health of the population. There are plans to hold races for run/walk and bicycle trek one weekend each year.