Preparing for Runyon Street bridge project

Arkansas Highway & Transportation Department representatives recently conducted a field review with City of Hot Springs staff members regarding plans to replace the Runyon Street Bridge over Hot Springs Creek. 

Runyon Street will be rebuilt and widened to 26 feet from just west of the railroad tracks to its convergence with Valley Street, including storm drainage and curb inlet modifications, and will include a new 12’ wide multi-use trail section to the north side of the Runyon Street bridge that will be a part of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail system.

At the meeting, Brooke Oerkins, AHTD Project Manager, was joined by engineers and representatives from AHTD’S Bridge, Right-of-way, and Roadway divisions. Mark Headley, District Construction Engineer and Tim Baber, Resident Engineer also attended, as overseers of the project’s construction phase.  The AHTD Engineering group reviewed the construction drawings with city staff, including Public Works Director Denny McPhate, Parks & Recreation Director Jean Wallace and City Engineer Gary Carnahan. City staff asked questions; made a few minor adjustments; and discussed right-of-way and utility relocation needs; and more.

80% of the project cost will be paid by the state and 20% by the city. Estimated cost is about $500,000. The city’s cost share is included in this year’s budget. Bid letting is anticipated in October 2013, and construction will take 8-12 months, weather permitting.