Conway, Arkansas – The City of Conway is preparing to move forward with a new downtown infrastructure effort that aims to reshape a familiar block into a more connected and pedestrian-friendly space, with construction set to begin later this month.
The Conway Transportation Department announced that work on the Court Street Alleyway Improvement Project will officially start on May 26. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance downtown walkability and improve the overall experience for residents and visitors moving through the city’s central business district.
The improvement zone is located within the block bordered by Oak Street, Court Street, Main Street, and Chestnut Street. Alleyway access points will remain aligned with each of these surrounding corridors, placing the project in the heart of one of downtown Conway’s busiest commercial areas. Nearby businesses include Brick & Forge Taproom, The Rogue Roundabout, Emerge, and Jenifer’s Antiques, all of which sit close to the construction footprint and are expected to remain open during the work period.
According to city officials, the redesign is focused on turning a largely functional alley space into a more welcoming public environment. Planned upgrades include new seating areas, improved lighting, landscaping elements, centralized sanitation receptacles, and public art installations. Parking configurations within the alley space will also be addressed as part of the redesign.
City planners say the goal is to create a space that feels less like a service corridor and more like an extension of downtown activity. By improving aesthetics and accessibility, officials hope the area will encourage more foot traffic between businesses and nearby destinations.
Construction is scheduled to continue through the end of 2026, marking it as a long-term project rather than a quick redevelopment effort. During this period, significant changes to access will be in place for public safety and construction efficiency.
Residents should expect the alleyway itself to be fully closed to pedestrian access for the duration of the work. In addition, public parking within the project boundaries will not be available. At times, sidewalks near the construction zone may also be temporarily restricted as crews complete different phases of the project. However, city officials noted that no major road closures are expected in the surrounding street network.
The construction contract has been awarded to Fureigh Construction, which will oversee day-to-day building operations and coordinate work on-site. The company is expected to manage the phased development carefully to minimize disruption to nearby businesses and downtown activity.
Even with construction underway, city leaders are encouraging residents and visitors to continue supporting downtown establishments. Officials emphasized that while access will be limited in certain areas, the surrounding streets and businesses will remain open throughout the project.
The Court Street Alleyway Improvement Project is part of a larger push by the city to invest in public spaces that support both economic activity and community use. By upgrading infrastructure in high-traffic areas, planners hope to strengthen connections between downtown destinations and improve the overall flow of pedestrian movement.
As the start date approaches, officials are advising the public to plan ahead when visiting downtown Conway, allow extra time for parking, and follow posted signage around the construction zone.
