Road work continues in White Hall

The Sheridan Road work continues in White Hall.

The complicated job is slowed by negotiations over property easements and utility relocations, and during a weather event or rush-hour traffic, it’s often difficult to navigate the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s orange cones lining either side of the road near Interstate 530.

It took more than three years to negotiate right-of-way easements and utility relocations, and construction has been ongoing since about early 2024.

White Hall Mayor Noel Foster continues to ask residents and visitors to be patient and careful as they navigate the road work currently underway in the city’s fast-growing commercial district.

Outside White Hall city limits, Sheridan Road is known as U.S. 270. However, the entire roadway falls under ARDOT’s purview.

The widening of Sheridan Road will extend approximately 2 miles eastward and 2 miles westward of Interstate 530, exit 34, from the intersection of U.S. 270 and Arkansas 365 Spur to Arkansas 104 to Arkansas 365.

It involves widening the two-lane road to four lanes with a center turning lane, and adding curbs, gutters, storm drains and sidewalks along both sides of the road.

Redstone Construction Group of Little Rock is the project’s contractor. The project was divided into two phases, with the first on the west side of I-530 and the second on its east side.

“On the White Hall project, 020626, barrels and other traffic control devices remain in place to the west of I-530 to maintain two lanes of traffic while minor construction activities are completed and until the placement of the final asphalt surface,” said Drew Hoggard, ARDOT’s district engineer for District 2.

Hoggard added that the contractor is “pretty much complete” on the interstate’s west side.

The reconstruction of the (I-530) north side ramps — at I-530 northbound and exit ramp for I-530 southbound — is currently scheduled to begin Feb. 27, depending on weather conditions, and should be completed over the course of two weekends, Hoggard said.

“To the east of I-530, construction of storm drains, sidewalks, and widening of the existing roadway continues,” Hoggard said.

Barring weather or other construction delays or setbacks, Hoggard said the entire road-widening project in White Hall could be completed by late 2026. It will cost taxpayers about $45 million when completed.

“I think construction projects are a little like the rain,” David Beck, Ward 3 City Council member, said about the project. “You hate it or love it, it’s up to the individual. Hopefully, most of our residents are future-focused and continue to keep a positive White Hall attitude.”

But Foster is looking forward to a rainbow as construction wraps up.

“It’s expected to alleviate the traffic problem in this area,” said Foster, who sees that as an opportunity for additional growth.

New commercial construction on both sides of the interstate upped the pressing need for additional lanes. These include banks, restaurants, markets, coffee shops and shopping centers.

Foster said several undeveloped lots once existed, but that’s no longer the case. Little property is available to develop on the White Hall side of Sheridan Road, so many new businesses have been built in Pine Bluff.

Foster expects that to continue.

“This area is one of the most congested areas in the city … and the new businesses are attracting more people and, in turn, more businesses,” Foster said.

According to 2022 traffic counts, about 8,900 vehicles travel on the three-lane road on I-530’s west side daily, with about 13,000 traveling on the east side.

“The (road) widening and sidewalks will change the whole area, and it’s been instrumental in convincing businesses to invest in this area … I am excited about our commercial and new residential growth so far,” Foster said.