The historic, ninety-seven year old Low Water Bridge, located over Shoal Creek in South Joplin, is threatened with demolition so that a new, two-lane bridge could replace it at a cost of two-to-three million dollars.

By the responses to the "Save the Low Water Bridge" Facebook Page, a great majority of those commenting are passionate about preserving the bridge, at least for pedestrian use.

Logic says that a new, modern bridge will eliminate wait time to cross, allow crossings during high-water flooding,  provide for emergency vehicle crossings and possibly include a pedestrian & bicycle lane.  But does this mean that the Low Water Bridge must be demolished?  Certainly not!

There is an option however. The Low Water Bridge should be preserved for pedestrian and bicycle use only, making it a designated historic landmark convenient to McIndoe Park, and also to those on the Audubon Hiking Trail. Doing this will maintain the scenic views of the river from the bridge, and preserve it for future generations to enjoy. Supporting this historic bridge so it may be placed on several National and State Preservation Organizations could also possibly result in assistance and grants from the State and Federal Government...thus saving on taxpayer expense. This should attract more tourists and encourage both Jasper and Newton counties and the City of Joplin to share in flood debris removal costs, which are typically minimal. Plus, the Low Water Bridge would still be needed to carry vehicle traffic during the construction of a new bridge being built elsewhere.

To accomplish this, a new bridge should be constructed further to the East where the ground elevation is higher, allowing the bridge to be more level and where there is more space to connect to the existing streets without interfering with the scenic parks and trails near the existing bridge. . This new bridge location will also be closer to Main Street and Mercy Hospital. It's interesting to note that the length of a new bridge would be almost the same as a replacement for the low water bridge, so costs should not be excessively higher, and NOT having the expense of removing the existing Low Water Bridge would be another savings to the taxpayers AND to the environment!

I believe that if we all work together, we can keep both our beloved Low Water Bridge, and get a new bridge that will appease everyone. Roderick Harsh - Chairman, Save the Low Water Bridge Committee