It’s hard to miss all the orange cones lining Sheridan Road east of Interstate 530 in White Hall. Still, the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s (ARDOT) District Engineer stated last week that the entire road widening project in White Hall may be completed by late summer 2026 — barring weather or other construction delays or setbacks.
The entire project involves widening the existing two-lane road to four lanes with a center turning lane, as well as adding curbs, gutters, storm drains and sidewalks along both sides of the highway for approximately two miles.
At the moment, Drew Hoggard, ARDOT District 2 engineer, said about road construction, “They’re making good progress.”
White Hall Mayor Noel Foster agreed, adding, “It is going pretty good.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Lou Wright, who stopped for a slice at Sylvia’s Pizzeria at 6715 Sheridan Road, wasn’t deterred by the construction but traveled a bit cautiously along the half-mile stretch from the I-530 to the restaurant.
Narrowed driveways during construction have been a concern, but Foster said there have been “some issues with the temporary entrances to homes and businesses. ARDOT and contractors are working well to resolve any concerns.”
While work on the project’s Phase 2, on the east side of Sheridan Road near I-530, started earlier this year, the Phase 1 work, which began about 18 months ago, is now wrapping up.
Outside the White Hall city limits, Sheridan Road is U.S. 270, and it falls under the purview of ARDOT. Redstone Construction Group of Little Rock is the project’s contractor.
Like on the west side, Hoggard said during a previous interview, “It’s a complicated job.”
This area of White Hall, which borders with Pine Bluff, is rapidly growing and home to several new banks, including Relyance Bank’s headquarters, FBT Bank & Mortgage, Delta Heritage Bank, Fairfield Federal Credit Union and Simmons Bank, as well as newly opened restaurants like Sylvia’s, Moe’s, Colton’s and Curry Express Indian Kitchen, said Foster, who is serving his fourth term as mayor.
Development also includes at least two new hotels and numerous shopping centers.
Hoggard said the heavy traffic flow, utility relocation, right-of-way negotiations and commercial construction slowed the initial process.
Foster said, “This is adding to increased traffic congestion, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours.”
David Beck has served on the White Hall City Council since 2001 and is a co-chairman of the Military Affairs Advisory Committee for the Pine Bluff Arsenal.
“Everyone I’ve talked to has been very patient and understanding concerning any inconvenience the road construction has caused,” Beck said.