What is this project?
This project will connect the Shiloh Trail North of Highway 62 (Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) and west of I-49, and the Town Branch and Tsa La Gi Trails south and east of the interchange (Ward 1). The project consists of a tunnel under MLK Jr. Blvd, and tunnels under the two interstate ramps on the south side of MLK, to provide a continuous multi-use trail through the intersection that does not interact with motor vehicle traffic.
Why is It Important?
The interchange at I-49 and Highway 62 is proposed to be a single point urban interchange (SPUI), which is very efficient for motor vehicle traffic, but is not very accommodating to pedestrians and bicycles. The project will create a safe route for bicycles and pedestrians through the interchange, and will allow a more efficient and safe movement of motor vehicles since the bicycle and pedestrian movements are removed from the at grade traffic stream.
What is the Current Status?
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) has developed a conceptual drawing for the interchange, and the City has provided a layout of the proposed trail system. Payment to ArDOT of the cost of the tunnels and associated trail work will be required prior to the construction work beginning.
When Will it be Completed?
Per ArDOT scheduling. ArDOT has pushed back the construction schedule for this project, and so it has been moved to Phase 2 of the Bond implementation.
How is it Funded?
Funding for the City’s portion of this project comes from the Bond issue that voters approved in April 2019. Funding through the federal aid Transportation Alternatives program may also be available
