Arkansas state highway spending to reach all-time high of $1.25 billion

Crews work on a flyover ramp at the “Big Rock” I-630/I-430 interchange in August. (Photo: @AHTD / Twitter)Crews work on a flyover ramp at the “Big Rock” I-630/I-430 interchange in August. (Photo: @AHTD / Twitter)

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) is planning to spend more on state highway projects than ever before, according to a report from Little Rock’s KATV.

Over the next decade, state highway spending will reach $1.25 billion. The department currently has 112 planned projects.

Among the major projects are the “Big Rock” Interstate 630/Interstate 430 interchange, set for completion in the first half of 2015; a project on Interstate 40 to Conway, which should be finished by summer 2014; a toll road study on Interstate 40 from Little Rock to Memphis, with road construction near Forest City expected to be completed in about a year; and road construction on Interstate 530 to Pine Bluff, scheduled for completion by summer 2014.

The news station added that AHTD is also planning a big project for the Interstate 30/Interstate 430 interchange.

KATV noted that voter-approved bonds and a half-cent sales tax increase allowed for the increase in spending.