Perry County, Arkansas – Plans to improve Highway 60 west of the Arkansas River Bridge are moving forward after the Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), clearing the way for the next phase of development. The announcement, made by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), signals that the project will have no significant effects on the surrounding human or natural environment and paves the way for critical upgrades to the roadway.
The highway segment, which is prone to flood-related closures, has long been a concern for local motorists and transportation officials. The purpose of the project is to minimize road closures during major flood events and improve safety and reliability for drivers in Perry County and beyond. According to ARDOT, the planned improvements will raise the roadway by approximately 10 feet, significantly reducing the risk of flooding and providing a safer travel route year-round.
Another major component of the project includes replacing the existing culvert at Ouachita Creek with a new relief bridge approximately 1,230 feet long. This upgrade is expected to better handle floodwaters and reduce the frequency and duration of closures, providing long-term benefits for the local transportation network. The improvements are designed with both safety and resilience in mind, ensuring that the roadway can withstand the challenges of future flood events.
To keep the public informed, ARDOT has made the FONSI and project details available on the project website. Those without internet access can reach out to Matt Strawn at 501-569-2281 or via email at [email protected] for more information or to ask questions about the findings. Officials emphasize that public awareness and feedback remain an important part of the project development process, even after federal approval has been granted.
“These improvements will enhance safety and reliability for motorists while addressing long-standing flood issues on Highway 60,” said ARDOT representatives. By raising the roadway and constructing a modern relief bridge, the department expects to dramatically reduce the disruptions caused by extreme weather events and ensure smoother travel for residents and commercial traffic alike.
The project is federally funded, and as part of its commitment to equity, ARDOT complies with all civil rights provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discrimination in programs receiving federal financial assistance. The department does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, national origin, or disability, and complaints or questions regarding nondiscrimination policies can be directed to Civil Rights Officer Joanna P. McFadden. Free language assistance is also available upon request, and materials can be provided in large print, audiotape, and Braille to ensure accessibility for all residents.
Local officials and community members have expressed optimism about the project, noting that improved infrastructure will not only enhance safety for commuters and residents but also support regional economic development. Flood-prone roadways have historically limited access and posed risks to emergency services, school transportation, and local commerce. The planned upgrades promise to mitigate these risks while creating a more dependable transportation corridor.
With federal approval now secured, ARDOT expects to move forward with the next steps, which include detailed engineering, environmental coordination, and construction planning. While no specific timeline has been released for the start of construction, officials have stressed that public safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience remain central priorities throughout the project.
The Highway 60 improvement project represents a major investment in transportation safety and infrastructure resilience for Perry County and the surrounding region. By addressing both flood mitigation and roadway reliability, ARDOT and its partners aim to create a safer, more dependable route that will serve residents and travelers for decades to come.
This project demonstrates how federal and state collaboration, combined with advanced planning and community engagement, can deliver tangible benefits to local infrastructure while ensuring that human and environmental impacts are carefully considered and minimized.
