Pictured are the planned improvements to the pedestrian overpass on HIghway 463. In 2019 I read through council minutes to find records on construction and funding of the overpass:
In January of 1974, Mayor Terry Clogston read a letter from the Arkansas Highway Department indicating they would help put up the overpass if right of way could be obtained. In April 1974 Council minutes indicate the Highway Department had made a detailed survey on the intersection of Cedar St and Highway 463 in preparation for drawing another plan for construction that would be sent to Industrial Steel Co, the approved bidder. The City entered into a contract with Industrial Steel Co. in May 1974 with steel for the overpass to be delivered in September 1974 at a cost of $874.40, paid through a bond voted on by the citizens of Trumann. In the January Council meeting of 1975, Mayor L.D. Gibson announced that the overpass was up and in use.
Since finding records on the overpass, I have discussed renovation of the structure with the Highway Department. I also requested a quote for refurbishing the overpass from a company recommended by the HIghway Department–one they contract with for painting bridge metalworks. The bid was $119,978. We decided the City would make some improvements and work toward other estimates and means for renovation. The overpass is a historical landmark for Trumann and we wish to preserve it. If I can find enough recorded history, it might qualify for the Arkansas Historic Register. In the meantime, a little cleaning, paint, and signs naming it Wildcat Walk have improved it.
Original Source can be found here.
