This project proposes to enhance one of the most traveled roads in Arkansas. When complete, the improvements will enhance the transportation connection through central Arkansas, increase capacity, and improve traveler safety.
Updated October 12, 2022
Construction crews initiated demolition of the existing Arkansas River Bridge Monday, September 19, 2022.
One month into the demo process, the concrete roadway removal is progressing well and removal of structural steel has begun. Concrete roadway removal will continue for the next four to six weeks and structural steel removal will continue through the end of 2022 in accordance with the following process.
The first step of the demolition process involves breaking the concrete deck with excavators. The rubble falls into a barge to be hauled off to a port and unloaded. In the next step, crews cut and remove structural steel with a crane. The steel is taken off the river and sent to the scrap yard. Third, an excavator will break piers to the waterline and haul off the debris. The fourth and final step blasts the piers under the waterline and removes the final debris that is in the river navigation channel. Downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock will experience loud noise associated with the removal of the existing concrete roadway.
Demolition operations will continue to be a 24-hour operation during the work week with the concrete-breaking operation occurring between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Planned street closures will be utilized in Little Rock and North Little Rock to allow demo over city streets for the next two months; Phase 1 is expected to last until the end of 2022 and complete demo in nine months.
The contractor will simultaneously demolish the old bridge and construct the new bridge at the same location; the new bridge should open in 18 to 24 months.
Once the bridges are complete, each direction will have three through lanes, two collector/distributer lanes, an auxiliary lane—for a total of 12 lanes—and full width shoulders all around. The goal of these improvements is to create a safer, more efficient corridor through the downtown area.
Use the map below to view various current travel impacts, including permanent closures, temporary closures, and changes in traffic patterns. Zoom in and scroll to find a specific area of the I-30 corridor in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Click on a line to see travel impact information such as location, time frame, and detour map (download if available).
To view construction progress photos, zoom in and scroll to find a camera icon and click it to see the most recent photos in a project area. When you have located a photo, click on the image to open it full screen. Photos updated January 25, 2023.
Jan 30, 2023 – Feb 05, 2023
Work on Interstate 30 in Little Rock and North Little Rock involves weekly lane closures.
Read More »Oct 01, 2022
Construction on the 30 Crossing project will require a long-term closure of McGowen Street in Little Rock in early October.
Read More »Sep 19, 2022
The contractor for the 30 Crossing project will begin bridge demolition operations on Monday, September 19.
Read More »Apr 04, 2022 – Apr 11, 2023
Demolishing and reconstructing the 6th Street bridge over Interstate 30 in Little Rock will require significant traffic pattern changes and closures along the Interstate 30 corridor next week.
Read More »View the latest construction drone photos of the 30 Crossing project. Aerial photos provided by Kiewit Massman Construction.
Updated 1/24/23 . Click to download an exhibit showing Phase 1 construction milestone dates, which are preliminary and subject to change.
Click the image below to open the build out for the 30 Crossing project, Phase 1.
Phase 1 of the 30 Crossing Project includes areas of construction in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Remaining portions of the 30 Crossing project will be constructed in future phases.
There are several ramp improvements at the I-630 interchange.
Download Construction Phase 1 Map
Based upon the Environmental Assessment (EA), additional information included in the FONSI document, and the Disposition of Public Comments for the Location and Design Public Hearing, FHWA concludes that the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment.
Schedules are preliminary and are subject to change as project development progresses.
Through a voter-approved constitutional amendment, the people of Arkansas passed a 10-year, half-cent sales tax to improve highway and infrastructure projects.
Thirty-one projects in 19 corridors across Arkansas are included in the CAP, which improves transportation connections to the four corners of Arkansas.
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.
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.