Overlook in Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Story of the Big Dam Bridge Monoliths
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, February 19, 2022
1. The Story of the Big Dam Bridge Monoliths Marker
Many people have asked about the 'monoliths' of concrete that are a feature of the plazas on the north and south side of the Big Dam Bridge. These 'monoliths' are a part of the story of the Big Dam Bridge.
The Bridge is not only unique in that it is the longest pedestrian/bicycle bridge ever built, it is also the only bridge ever built into a dam. Bridges over dams are either designed to sit on top or have footings on either side to sit the pilings to rise and hold the platform over the dam.
This dam did not anticipate either of those options. The design called for the footing for the piling to be sunk into the dam itself. To accomplish this, the contractor used a huge diamond saw, a saw that is computer directed, to cut out incredible 'monoliths' from the dam. They are as much as six to seven feet high, six feet wide and six to seven feet deep. They each weigh approximately 8 tons.
When I first saw them, I asked what they were going to do with them. I was told it was the contractor's responsibility and they would probably end up in a landfill. NO WAY!' I felt we should save as many as possible and we should not use them as landfill material.
We had retained Martin Smith of Larson Barns Smith to design the approach to the bridge. I asked him to incorporate these 'monoliths'
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts.
Location. 34° 47.33′ N, 92° 21.321′ W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. It is in Overlook. Marker can be reached from Overlook Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Overlook Dr, Little Rock AR 72207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Farmers Home Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (approx. ¼ mile away); Looking Down the Arkansas River to the East (approx. 0.3 miles away); Looking Down the Arkansas River to the West (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Arkansas River Trail Story (approx. half a mile away); Four Bridges (approx. half a mile away); The Heights • A History (approx. 1.6 miles away); Block Realty-Baker House (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Rock.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, February 19, 2022
2. The Story of the Big Dam Bridge Monoliths Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 167 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 29, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
