Connecting Arkansas Program Connecting Arkansas Program
 1 Press Release(s)
 
  3 Meeting Notification(s)
 

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 080570 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 widens approximately 5.5 miles of Highway 82 to four lanes, extending generally from County Road 27 to Highway 79 in Columbia County.

  • Construction Updates
    - Widening Highway 82 to 4 lanes with a painted median
    - Constructing box culverts
    - Railroad crossing in Magnolia.
    - Bridge over Big Creek
    - Estimated construction completion is mid 2022

Construction Progress

59%

Updates:

  • Bid Opening
    ARDOT opened contractor bids in January 2020, and the Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by JB James Construction, awarding the project for $34.2 million. Construction is estimated to take less than two years to complete.
  • 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:

View CA0705 Project Map

Job 080570 (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 080570.

View CA0708 Project Map

Job CA0706 Airport Drive – Highway 82B
This project proposes to widen approximately 6 miles of Highway 82 to four lanes, extending generally from Airport Drive to Highway 82B in El Dorado.

  • Construction Overview
    - Highway 82 widened to four lanes with a painted median
    - Clearing and grubbing
    - Earthwork
    - Box culvert construction
    - Bridge over Cornie Bayou
    - Estimated construction completion is early 2023

Construction Progress

20%

Updates:

  • Bid Opening
    ARDOT opened contractor bids in September 2020, and the Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by D & J Construction, awarding the project for $33.5 million. Construction is estimated to take approximately two years to complete.
  • 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:

View CA0706 Project Map

Schedules are preliminary and are subject to change as project development progresses.

 

CAP News What is the Connecting Arkansas Program?

Through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, the people of Arkansas passed a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to improve highway and infrastructure projects.

More
CAP Projects Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

Thirty-six projects in 19 corridors across Arkansas are included in the CAP, which improves transportation connections to the four corners of Arkansas.

More
CAP Frequently Asked Questons Visit the FAQ Section For More Answers!

A collection of some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the Connecting Arkansas Program and the projects funded by the 10-year, half-cent sales tax.

More