Why landowners near Green Bridge are concerned about the proposed use of the trail

Lina PortmanJune 5, 2024

3 6 minutes read

Community members, local officials and various organizations in Christian County are working to preserve and reuse Green Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in the Ozarks. But neighbors who own property around the 112-year-old truss bridge are concerned about opening the area to the public. Some landowners view the bridge as a danger and want it removed, or even dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere.

Green Bridge crosses the Finley River on Smyrna Road, northeast of Ozark. It was built in 1912 by the Canton Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio. It was closed to traffic earlier this year after receiving a rating of 2 on the Missouri Department of Transportation's 10-point bridge safety scale. Since then, his fate has been a matter of controversy in Christian County.

Citizens and officials support the idea of leaving the bridge in its historic location over the Finley River and reusing it only for pedestrians and cyclists. City and county officials are working together on a plan to integrate Green Bridge into the Ozark region's existing trail system. Organizations involved include the Christian County Highway Department, the City of Ozark, the Ozark Transportation Organization and Ozark Greenways.

Eventually, the trails could extend from Green Bridge to the Chadwick Flyer Trail to Ozark and Springfield. But landowners also worry about the activity that increased access will generate, as well as the effects on their private property.

More:112-year-old Green Bridge could be preserved as part of new Ozark trail system

Do it in someone else's backyard: Landowners worried about Green Bridge trail plans

Although the Pont Vert area is already popular with runners and cyclists, they share the road with vehicles. No trails have been developed at Green Bridge. It is surrounded by private property on all four corners adjacent to the Finley River.

The four adjacent landowner families spoke out against plans to preserve Green Bridge before city and county officials at a May 30 public meeting. They don’t want to make Green Bridge a “destination.”

Most landowners were in favor of removing or moving the bridge, as county officials initially told them they could do when they signed the right-of-way agreements this spring. They were told the old bridge could not remain in place due to the risk of a “100-year flood” sweeping the old bridge into the new one.

“Either it was going to be completely disabled or it was no longer going to be possible to use or access it,” landowner Steve Haefling said.

If Green Bridge is to be preserved, landowners want it done elsewhere. But City of Ozark Public Works Director Jeremy Parsons says it would be “very expensive” to deconstruct, move and rebuild Green Bridge. When Riverside Bridge got this treatment in 2021, it was because Johnny Morris paid for it.

Intrusion is also a concern.

Haefling, who owns land on the northeast corner of Green Bridge, said he has faced problems for years with littering, trespassing, property damage and illegal parking on his land. He said he wants to alleviate those problems and that the plan to save Green Bridge will only make things worse. He is also concerned about the trail's approach to the bridge and how it could affect his private property.

“We thought it was going to be removed and put in a different location if they could find someone who would support that financially,” Haefling said.

Haefling also said at the meeting that his mother was a Green and that her relatives helped build the bridge in 1912. He nevertheless opposes allowing the bridge to be left in place.

“The bridge is historic. I don't disagree with that,” Haefling told the News-Leader. “But I think as far as the landowners are concerned, we would rather have the bridge removed and installed in another location rather than do some sort of drawdown that might perpetuate the problems of the past.”

Other landowners and community members have expressed concern about Green Bridge becoming a trail “destination.” A landowner at the meeting said he would take legal action if the plan moved forward. Another reminded city and county officials that some farm owners “don’t care” about having more attention on the bridge.

Homeowners want to avoid problems that hit a popular pool

A few times the “L” word came up. Linden.

Landowners also fear illegal behavior near Green Bridge could turn into what Christian County saw in Linden. Also called Lindenlure, this is another popular destination along the Finley River in Christian County. The Linden area has gained a reputation for illegal activity and newsworthy skirmishes with private landowners.

Sandi Green-Baker, who is not related to the Greens who built Green Bridge, still has fond memories there. She was baptized under the bridge as a child, and she previously told the News-Leader she would like to see it saved as a bicycle and pedestrian-only facility. Today, she no longer has much hope that this will happen.

Green-Baker also lives near Linden and sees how many people use the area to access the river.

“Removing the old bridge and replacing it with the new one will not stop people seeking access to the river from gathering there,” Green-Baker wrote. “Of course there is a concern to rid the area of crime, litter and trespassing, but it seems to me that increased attention from cyclists and walkers would help ensure its safety from lawbreakers.”

More:With Green Bridge Closing, HOA Concerns About Emergency Response Times and Home Values

Plans for Green Bridge law enforcement, trail construction, construction of new bridge for traffic

Another question posed by landowners related to questions of law enforcement jurisdiction. With municipal property in the county, who would be responsible for responding to calls regarding illegal activity? According to a statement from Ozark Police Chief Justin Arnold shared with the News-Leader, he has a plan for general routine patrols, law enforcement and crime reduction near Green Bridge.

According to Chief Arnold, routine patrols will be conducted by on-duty officers, who will use “supplemental patrol and directed patrol techniques.” These techniques are intended to increase the visibility of city law enforcement in the area to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.

“Extra patrols are areas that officers are encouraged to pay extra attention to during their normal routine patrols. Directed patrols are more specific, directing officers to a particular location at a particular time, in order to be visible when criminal activity is greater. likely to happen,” Arnold said.

The statement added that in the case of Green Bridge, emphasis would be placed on having a visible officer frequenting the area when the weather is good. The area would also use “CPTED,” or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, principles.

“We have a CPTED certified officer on staff, who would work with other city staff to make recommendations on how to proactively prevent crime or reduce its likelihood in this area,” Arnold said.

According to Parsons, having a more open plan on a site like Green Bridge would allow for more natural surveillance. He said the best defense against criminal activity is a good offense: people who will travel to the area to access the trails and river.

Construction of a new bridge could begin this summer

The new bridge, construction of which has not yet begun, is also a point of contention.

According to Christian County Highway Administrator Miranda Beadles, the county never intended to remove the old Green Bridge outright. But without a plan, the bridge would have continued to deteriorate. Previously, county officials feared a 100-year flood would wash the old bridge into the new one. That remains a concern, but Beadles said flooding of that caliber — which is unlikely — would be disastrous for areas other than Green Bridge.

“What we're looking to do is make sure they're aware that they need to design this bridge in a way that it becomes stable,” Beadles said.

Construction of a new bridge is expected to begin this year. Christian County Presiding Commissioner Lynn Morris previously told the News-Leader that this should be the case. The county plans to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to replace Green Bridge and two other historic bridges in the county. To do this, a contract must be signed by the end of the year. Beadles said the Highway Department plans to issue tenders for the new bridge in early June and award it to a contractor in July. Construction would begin shortly thereafter.

Trail construction near Green Bridge probably wouldn't start that soon. The city of Ozark was reluctant to give a timeline for building these trails, but Parsons said trails would be built as funding becomes available. He still hopes the county, city and other organizations can come together to make the Green Bridge situation a win-win for all parties.

“We are always positive and we hope we can find a solution that is ideal for the community as a whole,” Parsons said.

Lina Portman

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