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I-30 bridge completion set to boost business and ease traffic between Little Rock and North Little Rock

The development of the Interstate 30 Arkansas River Bridge that connects the city of North Little Rock with Little Rock is coming to an end

Little Rock, Arkansas – Little Rock has been a city divided, quite literally, by construction cones and detour signs since 2020, but that’s all set to change with the nearing completion of the Interstate 30 Arkansas River Bridge that connects the city to North Little Rock. With the phased opening of the bridge beginning in early October, local businesses are anticipating a significant uptick in customer traffic.

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The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced that the reconstruction of the I-30 bridge is on schedule, with the first phase of traffic shifts set to start soon. This phase will introduce significant changes to traffic patterns, including detours for I-30 westbound onto Cypress Street in North Little Rock and the southbound frontage road in Little Rock. These initial adjustments are designed to facilitate the opening of new ramps and the closure of others, such as the Broadway Street on-ramp and the 4th Street off-ramp, which are crucial for accessing downtown Little Rock.

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For businesses like “Brews and Bites,” a popular cafe located just a stone’s throw from the 4th Street exit, the completion of the bridge couldn’t come sooner. People want to avoid the construction mess. Everyone is looking forward to the new ramps opening up.

The development of the Interstate 30 Arkansas River Bridge that connects the city of North Little Rock with Little Rock is coming to an end

Credit: Getty

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Phase two, slated for mid-October, will see the continuation of westbound detours but will also celebrate the opening of all six lanes on the new westbound river bridge. This is expected to significantly ease the traffic flow, which has been a source of frustration for both commuters and local businesses.

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The final push, phase three, is scheduled for early November. It will focus on eastbound traffic, which will be rerouted onto the northbound frontage road in Little Rock and North Locust Street in North Little Rock. The culmination of this phase will mark the full opening of the bridge in both directions, a major milestone that promises to restore and potentially increase the ease of cross-river traffic.

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The impact of the construction has been felt not just by businesses but by everyday commuters like who travel daily from North Little Rock to her job in downtown Little Rock. The detours have added about fifteen minutes to their commutes.

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ARDOT has been proactive in communicating these changes, emphasizing that the traffic shifts will occur mainly during weekends, from Friday night to Monday morning, to minimize disruptions. This planning is crucial as it allows for the least impact on the weekday rush, though some weekend disruptions are inevitable.

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Local authorities and ARDOT are also coordinating closely to ensure that traffic signs and information about detours are clear and well-placed, reducing confusion and improving flow during each phase’s transition. Additional information sessions and updates are planned as each phase progresses, ensuring that residents and businesses are not caught off guard.

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The completion of the I-30 bridge is more than just a construction project coming to an end; it’s a beacon of economic hope for the businesses that have weathered the storm of decreased accessibility and customer visits. As Little Rock prepares to reconnect fully with North Little Rock, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation for what this newly rebuilt gateway will bring.

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