Eureka Springs, Arkansas – In a move to support local events and ease traffic congestion, construction on the Little Golden Gate Bridge—also known as Beaver Bridge—along Highway 187 north of Eureka Springs will temporarily halt on specific dates this fall. The bridge has been undergoing scheduled repairs that require weekday closures, but adjustments are being made to ensure festival traffic can pass through smoothly.
Currently, the bridge remains open every Friday through Sunday. However, due to large expected crowds for two popular area events, the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ festival and the Hillberry Music Festival, the Arkansas Department of Transportation has announced expanded access.
To accommodate festivalgoers, the bridge will also be open on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 2, for the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ event. The bridge will reopen again for the Hillberry Music Festival on Wednesday, October 8, and Thursday, October 9.
Construction closures will resume outside of these dates. Specifically, the bridge will be closed for work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 29; Tuesday, September 30; Monday, October 6; and Tuesday, October 7.
Additionally, beyond those days, the bridge will continue to be closed for work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays as part of the broader retrofit project.
The ongoing project focuses on retrofitting the bridge’s stringers, an important structural component that supports the bridge deck. These improvements are meant to ensure long-term safety and durability of the historic bridge.
To help guide drivers, digital message boards, construction barrels, barricades, and signs will remain in place along the route. Detour routes will also be clearly marked to assist with navigation during closures.
Travelers and festival attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed about traffic updates as work continues into October.
