After a prolonged period of utility and property negotiations along with extensive roadwork, the Arkansas Department of Transportation is on the verge of completing its tasks west of Interstate 530 on Ark. Hwy. 270. This stretch is known as Sheridan Road in White Hall, and the construction is anticipated to be finished by around next summer. However, as with any construction project, weather-related delays are a possibility, as stated by Drew Hoggard, the district engineer for District 2.

Challenges and Delays

The construction on the west side of I-530 commenced about a year ago. It involved widening the existing two-lane road to four lanes with a center turning lane and adding curbs, gutters, storm drains, and sidewalks on both sides of the highway for approximately two miles. "It's a complex job," Hoggard explained. The heavy traffic flow, the need for utility relocation, and right-of-way negotiations all slowed down the start of the construction process. When a lane closure was necessary, it was carried out at night to ensure the safety of highway department employees, contractors, and the traveling public.During the time when the department's project contractor, Redstone Construction Group of Little Rock, was working on the west side, several new businesses came up and opened. For instance, the four-story TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Relyance Bank's three-story, 40,000 square foot headquarters were among the new establishments. This led to increased traffic congestion, as pointed out by White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.

East Side Construction

The entire widening of Sheridan Road will extend about four and a half miles on either side of Interstate 530, exit 34, from the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 270 and Ark. Hwy. 365-S to Ark. Hwy. 104 to Hwy. 365. Work on the interstate's east side also includes widening the existing two-lane road to four lanes with a center turning lane and adding the necessary infrastructure along both sides. "The work is expected to start this spring," Hoggard said. For the most part, utilities have been relocated, but there are still a few utility conflicts that the team is working on.The entire project is estimated to cost taxpayers around $45 million upon completion. Barring any weather delays, it is projected to be finished by this time next year.

Impact on Traffic and Business

The work is expected to alleviate the traffic problem in the area. Mayor Foster views it as an opportunity for further growth. On the east side, new construction has intensified the need for additional lanes. Since the early days of COVID, banks and shopping centers have been built and are now occupied by various commercial ventures like fast-food and sit-down restaurants.Foster mentioned that several undeveloped lots used to exist but are no longer available on the White Hall side of Sheridan Road. As a result, many new businesses have been constructed on the Pine Bluff side of the two cities' border. Foster anticipates this trend to continue. "This area is one of the most congested in the city, and the new businesses are attracting more people and, in turn, more businesses," he said.According to 2022 traffic counts, about 8,900 vehicles travel on the three-lane road on I-530's west side daily, with around 13,000 on the east side. Foster added, "The (road) widening and sidewalks will transform the whole area, and it has been crucial in convincing businesses to invest here. I am excited about our commercial and new residential growth so far." He also stated that there are large commercial developers exploring opportunities in the Sheridan Road area and that they have responded to several data requests. However, he couldn't provide more details at the moment but expressed hope that it would be available soon.David Beck, a White Hall city council member who has served since 2001 and currently serves as the co-chairman of the Military Affairs Advisory Committee (MAAC), an Economic Alliance of Jefferson County board member, and a chamber member, said, "White Hall is coming into its own." He credits I-530 and exits 32 and 34 as key growth factors. "Good roads are vital to economic development, and their significance cannot be emphasized enough. Without them, an area can't be economically viable," Beck said.Morning and evening traffic can be heavy on Highway 270 in White Hall, especially east of the I-530 interchange. But the highway widening is expected to ease the sometimes bumper-to-bumper traffic jams. (Byron Tate/Pine Bluff Commercial)