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City says ARDOT grant awarded to replace Sevier bridge; construction estimated to begin late 2027
Summary
City staff told the Texarkana Board that an ARDOT grant has been awarded to replace the out Sevier bridge after a feasibility study recommended demolition; design, bid and construction were estimated to begin at the end of 2027, and staff said the state will not reimburse a local temporary demolition if the city proceeds on its own.
A resident asked the Texarkana Board of Directors about a bridge out on Sevier and whether the community could take interim action; a city speaker said the city has obtained an Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) grant to replace the bridge, but the process includes several steps and an extended timeline.
City staff described a feasibility study done by an engineer that recommended demolition rather than repair. The next steps are design and competitive bidding; staff’s stated estimate for construction to begin was "at the end of 2027." Officials also told residents that ARDOT informed them the city would not be eligible for reimbursement if the city demolished the bridge on its own before the state’s project starts. That left residents and some board members discussing whether to seek temporary local repairs or demolition and how to finance them.
Residents expressed frustration at the multi‑year timeline and said they would prefer a temporary fix rather than waiting until 2028 for a full replacement. Staff said they were working through cost estimates and delivery options (city crews versus hired contractors) but had not finalized a plan.
What's next: the city is proceeding with design and bidding under the ARDOT grant timetable; residents said they would circulate petitions and pursue MPO and ARDOT engagement to accelerate the schedule.
