Crews are finalizing plans to conduct a subsurface investigation on Greers Ferry Lake, beginning Tuesday, September 6, according to Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) officials. The work is expected to last until September 22.

Crews from the Geotechnical section of AHTD’s Materials Division have obtained a permit from the Corps of Engineers to access the lake and surrounding government owned property to conduct the underwater testing. The work is part of a project AHTD has to replace the Highway 225 Midway Branch Bridge (Hill Creek Bridge) and approaches. Proposals for that work are scheduled to be opened in December 2011 and work should begin in early 2012.

The purpose of the work is to obtain samples of bedrock. The drilling will take place in the Devils Fork area of the the lake – east of the existing Midway Branch Bridge.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 6, crews will mobilize at Shiloh Park to assemble a work barge and then launch to the bridge site. From September 12-15 workers will conduct water-based drilling and then remove the barge on September 19. Land-based drilling will occur on September 20-22 before crews complete their work. All dates are weather permitting.

Source: AHTD, September 01, 2011; Image: GreersFerryLake