FULTON, Ark.-The Arkansas Highway Commission agreed to rename a Hempstead County bridge in honor of 4-year-old Maleah Davis, said Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton.
Maleah's remains were found on the side of an Interstate 30 exit ramp in late May, near Fulton. The discovery prompted local residents and county officials to honor her memory. Earlier this month, the Hempstead County Quorum Court approved a resolution favoring the renaming the Red Lake Road overpass in memory of the child, after Singleton wrote a letter of request asking the commission to rename the bridge in the child's honor. The Quorum Court's measure specifically requested the Arkansas State Highway Commission to rename this Exit 18 overpass, (currently known as the Red Lake Overpass), in memory of Maleah.
Singleton said he will be visiting with one of the commission's vendors on Monday, in order to get specifications for the overpass sign which will bear little Maleah's name.
Singleton added that he hopes the sign can be built and attached to the overpass at least by the end of next month 0r at the very least by early September.
Presently, there is a memorial sign close to the overpass's right side Exit 18 marker, which reads "Rest in Peace Sweet Angel Always in Our Hearts."
Close to the heartfelt sign rests a massive collection of flowers, crosses, stuffed toys and assorted other decorations.
The new overpass sign will likely be named the Maleah Davis Bridge with a sign facing both east and west traffic.
A community event will also be held to dedicate the new signs.