Two Rivers Bridge connects flourishing points
July 18-24, 2011
“Welcome to your new bridge!” Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines shouted from the podium as he turned around and pointed to the new Two Rivers Bridge. Hundreds of people, including bicyclists and people on rollerblades attended the dedication on July 8. Although the temperature was over 100 degrees and sweltering, the mood at the event was jovial. People were visually excited and anxious to cross the new bridge located close to the Big Dam Bridge (Little Rock side) that lead to Two Rivers Park.
The quarter-mile (1,300 feet) bridge crosses the Little Maumelle River and the Arkansas River. Total price tag: $5.3 million. According to various sources, 80 percent of the money came from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
In addition to Villines, who has been a proponent of the Arkansas River Trail and the bridges that connect it, Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood was present. LaHood said he wouldn’t have missed the dedication for anything. “I’m delighted to be here,” said LaHood moments before cutting the ribbon.
“Thank you for what you are doing,” he said as he addressed the audience. “[You] are providing a place for people to exercise and experience the great outdoors in this great part of the country.” LaHood is the 16th Secretary of Transportation and leads an agency with more than 55,000 employees and oversees a $70 billion budget, which includes air, maritime and surface transportation missions. He is also a cyclist who enjoys long rides with his wife, Kathy.
Villines and LaHood kept their comments brief due to the scorching heat. The judge did take a few moments to recognize distinguished guests including Rodney Slater, former Secretary of Transportation and Julius Breckling, who was the visionary behind the Two Rivers Bridge. “There is something magical about all bridges,” Villines stated. “And when we work together, dreams do come true.” Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and North Little Rock Mayor Pat Hays were also in attendance.
Villines and Sec. LaHood dedicated the bridge by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. In all actuality, the bridge will not be open to the public until July 23. But, due to LaHood’s visit and years of anticipation, the bridge was open for two hours after the press event.
The delay in opening, according to Fox 16 News, is due to ongoing work that needs to be done to make the bridge and surrounding area safe. Paving the parking lot and installing lights are some of the projects that still need to be completed. Security cameras will also be installed.
Hours after the event, LaHood wrote on his Twitter feed: “Thanks, Arkansas, for the terrific welcome at the Two Rivers Park Bridge dedication!” Partners associated with the bridge include: Pulaski County, Federal Highway Administration, Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Coast Guard, Corps of Engineers and Metroplan. Contractors listed include: Garver, Jensen Construction Company, Curtis Stout, Contech Construction Products, Inc., J’s Construction, Koontz Electric Company, Inc., Ecological Design Group and United Fence Company. John Burton was the project manager and Barbara Richard was the road and bridge manager. Sherman Smith was the public works director.
Secretary of Transportation – Ray LaHood
Sec. LaHood’s primary goals, according to promotional material, in implementing President Obama’s priorities for transportation include safety across all modes, restoring economic health and creating jobs and sustainability. His goals also encompasses shaping the economy of the future decades by building new transportation infrastructure and assuring that transportation policies focus on people who use the transportation system and their communities. Prior to his career in government, LaHood was surprisingly, a junior high school teacher.
He received his degree from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. The transportation secretary was also director of the Rock Island County Youth Services Bureau and Chief planner for Bi-States Metropolitan Planning Commission in Illinois. Earlier that day, Sec. LaHood joined Gov. Mike Beebe and U.S. Sen. Pryor in a groundbreaking ceremony at the Bella Vista Bypass in Northwest Arkansas.
