SALINE COUNTY, Ark. (KTHV) - The Benton community and others around the state who love bike trails will soon have another historic addition.
The Old Saline River Bridge is the only bridge in the entire state still in its original location. It was commissioned in 1889 and completed in 1891.
Former Mayor Lynn Moore has worked hard to keep this national historic site alive. “In 1815, the first pioneer settlement occurred right here on the banks of the Saline River,” said Moore while overlooking the river.
The Saline River and old metal bridge hold rich meaning for the area. “During the Civil War time, both armies the southern and northern crossed this area here,” Moore added. It’s a facelift nearly 10 years in the making. Soon, the Old Saline River Bridge will have a new look and new purpose. “There was no way to cross the river for a long time and the resident who settled there got permission from the territory government to put a fairy in place,” said Moore.
A mural painted downtown shows Indians who settled in the area during that time. From 1891 to 1927, the bridge was a source of primary transportation but closed in 1974 after a truck collapsed. “If you look closely, there's a bent member of the bridge and that's where the truck went,” Moore told us.
The Saline Crossing Regional Park and Recreation Area donated the land the bridge sits on. “It will connect the Southwest Trail from Little Rock to a trail system in Hot Springs,” he added. The bridge is owned by the county, but through federal grant funds, it will finally be refurbished for all of Arkansas to enjoy once again. “This will become the halfway point out of Little Rock, half day here and half day back to make a full trip,” said Moore.
After the bridge was closed in 1974, it was featured in the movie Sling Blade with actor and Arkansas native, Billy Bob Thornton. Sling Blade was nominated for an Academy Award.