Highway 82: Columbia/Union County
| County | Miles | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia/Union | 11.5 | June 2023 |
Overview
This project contributes to the four-lane widening of Highway 82 between El Dorado and Texarkana. When complete, the additional lanes will enhance the transportation connection between the cities, increase capacity, and improve traveler safety.
The proposed project to widen Highway 82 from Highway 98 to Highway 79 in Columbia County has been separated into two phases. Job CA0705, from County Road 27 to Highway 79 will be completed in Phase 1. Job CA0708, from Highway 98 to County Road 27, has been renumbered as Job 070570 and remains a high priority for the Arkansas Department of Transportation and will be constructed in Phase 2 with state and/or federal highway funds.
Project Updates
Job CA0705 County Road 27 – Highway 79
This project widened approximately 5.5 miles of Highway 82 to four lanes, extending generally from County Road 27 to Highway 79 in Columbia County.
- Construction Updates
- Widened Highway 82 to 4 lanes with a painted median
- Constructed box culverts
- Railroad crossing in Magnolia
- Bridge over Big Creek
- Construction substantially complete June 2022
Construction Progress
Updates:
- Bid Opening
Arkansas Department of Transportation opened contractor bids in January 2020. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by JB James Construction, awarding the project for $34.2 million.
- Public Meeting
A public involvement meeting was held February 11, 2016 to present and discuss the proposed plans to widen Highway 82 from County Road 27 to Highway 79 in Columbia County. A flier, comment form, and map can be downloaded here.
Preliminary Schedule:
Job CA0706 Airport Drive – Highway 82B
This project widened approximately 6 miles of Highway 82 to four lanes, extending generally from Airport Drive to Highway 82B in El Dorado.
- Construction Overview
- Widened Highway 82 to four lanes with a painted median
- Box culvert construction
- Bridge over Cornie Bayou
- Construction was substantially complete in June 2023
Construction Progress
Updates:
- Bid Opening
Arkansas Department of Transportation opened contractor bids in September 2020. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by D & J Construction, awarding the project for $33.5 million.
- Public Meeting
A public involvement meeting was held March 3, 2016 to present and discuss the proposed plans to widen Highway 82 from Airport Drive to Highway 82B in El Dorado. A flier, comment form, and map can be downloaded here. A second public involvement meeting was held October 18, 2016. A flier, comment form, and map can be downloaded here.
Preliminary Schedule:
Job 070570 (previously CA0708) Highway 98 – County Road 27
This project proposes to widen 3.5 miles of Highway 82 to four lanes, extending generally from Highway 98 to County Road 27 in Columbia County. ARDOT has renumbered this project as Job 070570.
Schedules are preliminary and are subject to change as project development progresses.
