Big Dam Bridge

Infobox_Bridge
bridge_name= Pulaski County Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge


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official_name= Pulaski County Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge
also_known_as= Big Dam Bridge
carries= Pedestrians and bicycles
crosses= Arkansas River
locale= Little Rock, Arkansas
North Little Rock, Arkansas
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length= 4,226 feet (1,288 m)
width= 14 feet (4 m)
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open= September 30, 2006
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The Pulaski County Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge, better known as the Big Dam Bridge, is the newest bridge to span the Arkansas River at Little Rock, Arkansas, over the Murray Lock and Dam, and is open only to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The bridge is the longest pedestrian-only bridge built for that purpose in North America. The longest in the United States is the Chain of Rocks Bridge on the north edge of St. Louis, Missouri at 5,350 linear feet, but it was originally a highway bridge. At 4,226 feet (1288 m.) in length, the Big Dam Bridge rises to 65 feet over the surface of the Arkansas River and 30 feet over the dam. The span over the river is 3463 feet (1055 m.), with the ramps on either side of the river accounting for the rest of the length. The southern end of the bridge is near Little Rock's Murray Park, while the northern end is at Cook's Landing Park just outside of North Little Rock city limits.

The nickname was given by Pulaski County Judge F.G. “Buddy” Villines, who was concerned about financing needed and was quoted to say, "We're going to build that dam bridge." (He insisted he was referring to its location on a dam, and was not using the mild expletive.) The total construction cost was $12.8 million.

The opening ceremony was on Saturday, September 30, 2006. Local politicians boasted the Big Dam Bridge will boost the local economy and also contribute to the local health of the population. The bridge and adjacent parks are used for several races including the Big Dam Bridge 100 cycling tour, the BDB Twilight 5k race, and the BDB Duathlon.

The Federal Highway Administration gave one of its first Exemplary Human Environment Initiative awards to the bridge, and Illuminating Engineer Society gave its Award of Merit at the international level to the bridge's LED lighting design.

External links

* [http://www.bigdambridge.com Official Website Of The Big Dam Bridge]
* [http://www.hawcreekoutdoors.com/places/big_dam_bridge.htm Big Dam Bridge Information with photo gallery]