Parsons will serve as the prime contractor and lead partner in for the construction of the new 1.95km bridge, which will be built approximately 60m upstream from the existing crossing to avoid interruption of highway traffic. The project is the first in Arkansas for Parsons’ construction group.

The existing White River Bridge has four travel lanes but its 18-span replacement will have six. The new bridge will be built on drilled shaft foundations instead of the original piled foundation design, providing the benefit of reduced construction costs and time.

The project for the new bridge will also include demolition of the old bridge.

Construction of the new White River Bridge and approaches is scheduled to begin in March and is expected to be complete in summer 2019.