The Arkansas Department of Transportation (Arkansas DOT) has announced the early completion of a major overhaul of Interstate 30 in the Little Rock region. This transformative project marks a significant milestone for the state’s infrastructure, wrapping up months ahead of its original timeline.
A Vital Corridor Revitalized
Interstate 30, which handles an average of 120,000 vehicles every day, is a cornerstone of central Arkansas’s transportation network. This stretch has been under construction for nearly four years as part of Pulaski County’s expansive 30 Crossing initiative.
Dubbed the “backbone” of central Arkansas’s freeway system, the Arkansas DOT emphasized the highway’s importance:
“In addition to connecting several interstates and freeways, it supports regional travel and is one of the most-traveled highways in Arkansas,” the department stated in a press release.
What the 30 Crossing Project Accomplished
Spanning 4.7 miles through Little Rock and North Little Rock, the project targeted one of the state’s busiest routes. Significant upgrades were made to interchanges connecting Interstate 30 with Interstate 40 and Interstate 630, ensuring smoother transitions and greater efficiency.
Other highlights include:
- Lane expansions for improved traffic flow
- Revamped ramps and overpasses
- The construction of a brand-new bridge crossing the Arkansas River
This project also holds historical significance as Arkansas’s first design-build initiative—a streamlined method that combines design and construction phases to speed up delivery. Thanks to this approach, the project achieved “substantial completion” in November, more than 18 months ahead of schedule, as reported on its official website.
Marking the Moment
On December 3, state officials and community members gathered at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum to celebrate this major achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Source: Land Line
