Highway 18: Craighead/Mississippi County
| County | Miles | Est. Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Craighead/Mississippi | 5 | Late 2020 |
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 Progress
Updates:
- Construction Overview
Four-lane bypass on new location
Bridge over Cockle Burr Slough
Four bridge-length box culverts
Opened to traffic in November 2017
Substantially complete May 2018
- Bid Opening
Bids were opened by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (formerly AHTD) 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:
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 Progress
- Construction Overview
- Widening to 4 travel lanes with a painted center median
- Bridge construction at Ditch 81, Big Lake Outlet, and Big Lake Floodway
- Timber piles
- Box culvert construction
- Earthwork and drainage
- Final surface and pavement markings
Updates:
- Bid Opening
Bids were opened by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department 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:
Schedules are preliminary and are subject to change as project development progresses.
