Highway 18: Craighead/Mississippi County

CountyMilesEst. Completion
Craighead/Mississippi 5Sept 2021
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Overview

These projects contribute to the four-lane widening of Highway 18 between Jonesboro and Blytheville. When complete, the improvements will enhance the transportation connection between the cities, increase capacity, and improve traveler safety.

Project Updates

Job CA1001 Monette Bypass

This project constructed the approximately 3.2-mile, four-lane Highway 18 bypass north of Monette.

  • Construction Overview
    - Four-lane bypass on new alignment
    - Bridge over Cockle Burr Slough
    - Four bridge-length box culverts
    - Opened to traffic in November 2017
    - Substantially complete May 2018

Construction Progress

100%

Updates: 

  • Bid Opening
    Arkansas Department of Transportation (formerly AHTD) opened contractor bids in December 2015. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by Robertson Contractors and awarded the project for $13.7 million.

Preliminary Schedule:

View CA1001 Project Map

Job CA1002 Manila – East

This project widened approximately 1.8 miles of Highway 18 to five lanes. The widening generally begins southeast of Manila and heads east through the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Construction Overview
    - Widened to 4 travel lanes with a painted center median
    - Bridge constructed at Ditch 81, Big Lake Outlet, and Big Lake Floodway
    - Timber piles
    - Box culvert constructed
    - Earthwork and drainage
    - Final surface and pavement markings
    - Construction substantially complete in September 2021

Construction Progress

100%

Updates:

  • Bid Opening
    Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department opened bids in November 2016. The Arkansas State Highway Commission approved a bid for improvements by W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Company and awarded the project for $35.5 million.

Preliminary Schedule:

View CA1002 Project Map

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

 

What is the Connecting Arkansas Program?

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.

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

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

Which Projects Are Being Funded By This program?

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.

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Do you have a question, comment, suggestion or concern? Contact us by emailing info@ConnectingArkansasProgram.com or by using the message fields located at the bottom of every page.

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