FORT SMITH - As the flood waters begin to recede, one of the biggest signs that life is getting back to normal came late Monday. The Arkansas Department of Transportation re-opened the Garrison Avenue bridge to westbound traffic, allowing unobstructed travel between downtown Fort Smith and Oklahoma communities such as Moffett and Roland.
The bridge had been closed since last Sunday when flood waters began covering the highway on the Oklahoma side of the Arkansas River.
Highway 64 and the Roland Bottoms have been one of the hardest hit areas by floodwaters, leaving notable businesses such as Wholesale Motors and the Cheyenne adult entertainment club completely submerged.
While the westbound lanes are open, ARDot took to social media to remind drivers that it could still be some time before the traffic is open both ways.
“If you drive over to Oklahoma, you have to take I-40 to get back into Arkansas,” ARDot said via Twitter. “Thanks for your patience!”
