Tilly Willy Bridge Replacement Opens

PROJECT FINISHES ON SCHEDULE

Washington County officials dedicated the new Tilly Willy bridge that spans the West Fork of the White River on Wilson Hollow Road and replaces the former dam that formerly allowed access to Lake Wilson.
Washington County officials dedicated the new Tilly Willy bridge that spans the West Fork of the White River on Wilson Hollow Road and replaces the former dam that formerly allowed access to Lake Wilson.

— Washington County officials opened a crossing of the West Fork of the White River, likely to remain known by area residents as the Tilly Willy bridge.

The new $1.75 million bridge on Wilson Hollow Road lies on the path to Fayetteville’s Lake Wilson and the Joe Park Trail. County Judge Marilyn Edwards declared the bridge open Wednesday.

The new bridge replaced a nearly century-old dam that worked as a low-water crossing. The old Tilly Willy gave most motorists crossing it a scary experience because it was only slightly wider than most cars and had no guard rails.

“Those people who go to the lake and walk their dogs, they now have a nice drive to go through there,” said Herman Jones, a nearby resident who gave up two to three acres of land for the right of way.

Jones said he regained some of his land when the county closed the path to the old Tilly Willy. The new bridge and paved roads were built just north of the old Tilly Willy.

The old Tilly Willy was replaced because of safety and liability concerns. Residents had requested a new bridge.

“My wife and I bought this property 53 years ago, and we wanted to see it out then,” Jones said.

Some believed Tilly Willy to be haunted. At times, Tilly Willy was a popular hangout for college students and others on ghost hunts.

Construction on the new bridge began in December 2010. The bridge almost doubles the old Tilly Willy. It is 302 feet long and 24 feet wide, enough for two car lanes.

The original $1.7 million project cost a little more after 2011’s flash floods led to more than $50,000 in change orders, said Shawn Shrum, assistant road superintendent. However, the bridge was finished on schedule, he said.

The county has paid less than $40,000 to date. Federal and state agencies paid the remainder of the cost, Shrum said.

Jones said the area fills with water and easily floods with significant rain. Heavy rain sometimes stranded Jones and prevented motorists from crossing the old bridge.

“As far as convenience, we have a bridge that's wider and safer,” Jones said.

With a smoother ride to Lake Wilson, Shrum said the new bridge and paved roads could eventually attract more motorists, but for now he doesn’t expect an increase in traffic.

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