Bono Bridge bid scheduled for September

BONO, AR (KAIT) - Bids for a new Bono Bridge are scheduled to take place in September.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway tore the old Bono Bridge down in 2011, just a few days after Judge Hill took office. BNSF cited safety concerns for train crews and the public as reasons to tear it down.

"I have worked with AHTD and BNSF since that time to restore the overpass," Hill said.

Hill explained that the past three years have consisted of negotiations for funding and negotiations for an easement over the railway.

Though funding for the project has been determined for awhile, Hill said the final piece of the puzzle was just recently put into place after BNSF granted an easement over the tracks.

"I commend both groups for being excellent community partners and their willingness to sit at the table with Craighead County," Hill said. "There were a number of citizens that provided either temporary or permanent easements for construction of this project as well."

Hill said Highway Commissioner Alec Farmer helped ensure no additional delay in the bidding took place.

Once complete, the bridge will reconnect County Roads 352 and 353.

The county will pay 2% percent of the total cost. Apart from that, 80% of the cost will be covered by federal sources and 18% will come from state sources.

According to bid information on the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department website, the construction company who wins the bid will have 198 working days to complete the project.

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