Notice to Media

Great River Bridge Compact Hears Update

LITTLE ROCK (11-30) – The Great River Bridge Compact met Wednesday, November 29, in Cleveland, Mississippi, to hear updates on two important projects for southeastern Arkansas, according to Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman John “M” Lipton of Warren.

The Great River Bridge and proposed Interstate 69 are at various stages of development. When completed, these projects will open up southeastern Arkansas to national and world markets.

The Compact received status reports from consultants on the two projects. Lipton, who serves as Co-Chair of the bi-state compact created to oversee development of the Great River Bridge, noted that the projects are progressing on schedule.

A federal Record of Decision (ROD) on the location of the Great River Bridge was signed last fall. The bridge and highway will cross the Mississippi River just north of Arkansas City and connect Highway 65 near McGehee, Arkansas, with Highway 1 near Benoit, Mississippi. The bridge is currently being designed as a four-lane facility.

“Bridges of this type are long-term investments and require planning for the future,” Lipton noted. “For that reason, the Great River Bridge is being designed as a four-lane facility. That way, it can accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes.”

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is underway for the section of proposed I-69 that will link Highway 65 in Arkansas with Highway 1 in Mississippi. Studies to date indicate that the Great River Bridge crossing site would be a favorable location for the new Interstate though an official determination of the route has not been reached.

“We know the route selected for the Great River Bridge is a good river crossing site,” Lipton said. “The I-69 EIS is studying the route further to see if it would be a good location for an Interstate highway. We are confident the I-69 study will show that the Great River Bridge site is a suitable location for I-69.”

The I-69 EIS should be complete in about a year. “After approval of that document, we can begin acquiring the necessary right of way for the route,” Lipton said.

Design work for the bridge will take about two years with construction dependent on future funding. Mississippi and Arkansas will share the cost of the bridge. “We (the Compact) have asked the consultant to provide detailed cost estimates for the bridge,” Lipton said. “That will help us in our efforts to secure the necessary funding.”

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For Further Information Contact:

Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department
10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209
Tel: 501-569-2000
FAX: 501-569-2400
e-mail: