Covid-19, utility relocations and severe winter weather are the main reasons for the delay on the widening of Sheridan Road to five lanes. The construction should now begin by late fall.
That’s the latest word from Drew Hoggard, Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) District 2 Engineer, who is overseeing the project.
The letting date will possibly happen in August, Hoggard said, explaining that’s the date for the official receipt and opening of bid proposals for highway construction and maintenance projects.
The road work should start after that, Hoggard said.
The widening will extend approximately two miles on either side of Interstate 530, from the intersection of U.S. 270 and Arkansas 365-S to state Highway 104 to Highway 365.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
It will cost the taxpayers an estimated $20 million.
“This project will widen the existing roadway to four lanes with a center left turn lane and include the addition of curb and gutter with storm drains and sidewalks along both sides of the highway,” said Deric Wyatt, the highway department’s District 6 Engineer, formerly of District 2, who oversaw the project until recently.
Once started, the widening will take approximately two to three years to complete, Wyatt said.
Whether coming or going on Sheridan Road, it’s often long lines and aggravation, with weekdays around mid-afternoon the worst, said White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.
This area is one of the most congested areas of the city, and the widening project should alleviate the problem, Foster said.
According to 2020 ARDOT numbers, vehicle counts at that intersection were up to about 26,000 daily, and possibly one of the largest vehicle count intersections in Jefferson County.