For over 40 years, the “Twin Bridges” have served as the vital lifeline of North Central Arkansas. These two massive spans—the Henderson Bridge (Hwy 62/412) and the Hwy 101 Bridge—stand as a testament to engineering perseverance and a turning point in the history of Norfork Lake.
Before these bridges existed, crossing Norfork Lake was a test of patience. When the Norfork Dam was completed in 1944, the rising waters flooded the original roads, effectively cutting the region in half.
For nearly four decades, the only way to cross was via free ferries operated by the Arkansas Highway Department. While the ferries were a charming novelty for tourists, they were a major bottleneck for locals and commerce. On busy summer weekends, wait times to cross the lake could stretch into hours.
In the late 1970s, the dream of a permanent crossing finally began to take shape. Building these bridges was no small feat; they had to be constructed over some of the deepest water in the lake (over 100 feet deep in some sections) while accounting for the fluctuating water levels of a flood-control reservoir.
The Design: Engineers chose a high-span, steel-girder design to allow for massive vertical clearance, ensuring that even the largest houseboats and sailboats could pass underneath regardless of lake elevation.
The Scale: The Henderson Bridge (Hwy 62/412) is roughly 3,500 feet long, making it one of the longest bridges in the state of Arkansas.
The Completion: After years of construction and millions of dollars in investment, the bridges were officially dedicated and opened to traffic in 1983.
Though they aren’t identical, they are referred to as the “twins” because they were built as part of the same massive infrastructure project to bypass the ferry system.
The Henderson Bridge (Hwy 62/412): The primary artery connecting Mountain Home to Henderson and points east (like Salem and Ash Flat).
The Hwy 101 Bridge: Branches off just to the east of the Henderson bridge, carrying travelers north toward Gamaliel and the Missouri state line.
| Feature | Henderson Bridge (Hwy 412) | Hwy 101 Bridge |
| Total Length | Approx. 3,500 Feet | Approx. 2,900 Feet |
| Height Above Water | Varies (Approx. 150-200ft to lake bed) | Varies |
| Completion Year | 1983 | 1983 |
| Preceded By | The Henderson Ferry | The 101 Ferry |
Local Tip:
For the best photo opportunity, head to the Panther Bay Overlook or the Henderson Park boat ramp at sunset. The way the light hits the steel spans as the sun dips below the Ozark hills is a sight you won’t want to miss.
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