By Emma Milner
City of Arkadelphia

ARKADELPHIA — The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)  deemed the Maddox Branch bridge on Walnut Street near Highway 67 to be unsafe  as of Tuesday, May 24.  

ARDOT informed the Arkadelphia Street Department of the failed inspection just after 8 a.m. Tuesday. The street was promptly closed and an alternative traffic route was quickly established.  

Walnut Street will be closed indefinitely from 10th Street to Highway 67. Residents in the 900 block of Walnut Street and Wade Street may access the area from the  intersection at 10th and Walnut streets. All other traffic is to use the alternative route.  

“Walnut Street is a highly utilized East-West thoroughfare for our city,” Police Chief Jason Jackson said. “It’s unfortunate the bridge failed inspection, but we are confident the alternative route will minimize the impact of this event while we research the best repair options.” 

Street Department representatives are working with county and state officials to determine the best course of action to repair the bridge.