Big Spring area affected by floodwater

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Big Spring Bridge has survived another flood, but its days are numbered.

The bridge on Highway 103 reopened this week after it was found safe for traffic during a structural evaluation by engineers with the Federal Highway Administration.

It is slated for replacement in 2017 because of damage from repeated flooding.

The bridge closed this time after it was fully submerged during high waters the week of New Year's Day, according to Dena Matteson, Ozark National Scenic Riverways public-information officer and acting chief of interpretation.

Record flooding was seen in parts of the more than 80,000-acre park, with seven to 10 inches of rain falling in a short period of time.

Big Spring Bridge sustained some damage to railings and a wooden pedestrian walkway, which will be repaired as quickly as possible, Matteson said.

"The bridge structure itself was determined not to have sustained structural damage," she said.

Years of flooding have contributed to deterioration of the bridge's wooden deck and damaged the soil beneath the bridge approaches, earning it a fair to poor condition rating from the FHA in 2014.

The Current River crested at 23.13 feet Dec. 29 at Van Buren, north of Big Spring. It was more than three feet above flood stage.

At the upper end of the park, the river crested at 19.71 feet at Akers Ferry on Dec. 28.

This is the highest the river has been at that location since 2001, when the U.S. Geological Survey began keeping records there, Matteson said.

A previous record of 18.52 was set in 2008.

Assessment and cleanup efforts across the park have been hampered by freezing temperatures and slowed by low off-season staffing, Matteson said.

"As we assess and begin to clean up the damages from this significant flood event, we ask the visiting public to have patience with us as we work on restoring access and facilities," superintendent Larry Johnson said in a news release. "We don't like to close facilities, but we will not reopen them until and unless they are safe for visitors."

Fire crews are using fire engines to spray water to remove mud and debris from buildings.

More than 30 restroom facilities were partially or totally flooded during this severe weather event, with at least two damaged roofs, Matteson reported.

"Campgrounds, picnic shelters and river access roads were temporarily closed. Pumps and lift stations were submerged and are being dried out," she said.

About 24 miles of trails were submerged and need to be assessed.

Several maintained visitor-use areas are covered with 10 to 12 inches of river gravel, and all areas have sand, mud, gravel, logs and debris deposited throughout, Matteson said.

Pertinent address:

Van Buren, Mo.