SALINE COUNTY, Ark. — The Old River Bridge in Saline County is set to return to its original location in 2024, which will make it the oldest bridge in Arkansas in its original location once completed.
The Old River Bridge was originally constructed for 1891 for a price of $5,000. The bridge granted some of the first settlers in Saline County safe passage over the Saline River.
The historic bridge is also known for its appearance in the 1996 film "Sling Blade" starring Billy Bob Thornton.
In 1974, the bridge was decommissioned by local officials after a truck carrying concrete blocks severely damaged the structure.
However, around 2004, former mayor of Benton, the late Lynn More, created an initiative to restore the Old River Bridge and incorporate it into a bike/pedestrian pathway.
Then, the citizens of Saline County came together to make Mayor Moore's vision a reality.
Over the past six years, plans have been made to incorporate the Old River Bridge as the centerpiece of the Southwest Trail from Hot Springs to Little Rock.
Additionally, Saline County has worked with numerous partners to secure federal grants to refurbish the bridge and put it back in its original location over the Saline River.
To celebrate the final phase in restoring the bridge, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the end of Airlane Dr. in Benton.
"It is extremely exciting to celebrate and start construction as we return the Old River Bridge back to its original location 135 years after its initial construction," said Saline County Judge Matt Brumley.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony will include Brad Moore (son of the late Lynn Moore), former county judge Jeff Arey, and current County Judge Matt Brumley.
