Last December, the Pine Bluff Arsenal received $1.8 million to design a new Plainview Gate entrance, and the engineering blueprint is now 35% complete.
It’s part of a $15 million Military Construction (MILCON) package to cover PBA’s gate design, its construction, the supervisor of the contract and any contiguity that might arise, said Justin Selby, military program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District.
“That (total cost) number is fluid,” Selby said.
He added that up or down design modifications or construction costs could impact the final funding amount.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hana-Kenall, an architecture and engineering firm with offices in Houston and New Orleans, was awarded the contract in April.
However, Selby said, “It’s in the early design stage.”
Selby said the bid process and construction could start in 2026. But he added that this assumes MILCON ranks highly in its assessment of “what’s needed the fastest and needed the most.”
MILCON projects are funded by the Department of Defense.
THE DETAILS
So far, Selby said the new version includes enhancement features related to safety, anti-terrorism and sustainability.
It will also have a large gate that can accommodate shipping and receiving commercial vehicles, active vehicle barriers, a separate visitor check-in station and the money required to pave a new road on the arsenal’s property from Hoadley Road to the new gate, which will be built next to the original Plainview Gate. It will be left in place during the construction phase of the new gate.
Selby said the design is being done according to U.S. Army standards.
MOVING THE DESIGN FORWARD
Every MILCON is assessed at four stages, with 35% being the first and additional reviews at the 65% and 90% complete segments until 100% complete and approved.
“Each time, the government reviews and refines it,” Selby said.
Hana-Kenall works under the direction of a Project Delivery Committee, comprised in part of PBA personnel, Selby and others.
Once operational, the Dexter Gate entrance will no longer be used as a commercial vehicle entry point.