Work at the bustling intersection in west Little Rock is approaching its final stages

Little Rock, Arkansas – Several months back, we inquired with Arkansans about the issues that matter most to them, and a leading response was the condition of roads.

Exciting developments are underway as the city approaches completion of a significant construction project at one of west Little Rock’s most frequented intersections, located at the corner of Kanis and Bowman Road.

Drivers such as Sean Thomas from Conway, employed in west Little Rock, have voiced their frustrations regarding extended traffic delays caused by the ongoing lane closures that have persisted for months.

“Especially during your lunch break, you know,” Thomas remarked. “About half of the lunch break is taken up at that intersection.”

Savanna Ramirez from Sherwood, who navigates the intersection daily to drop off her child, expressed her frustration with the traffic. She further elaborated on the significant confusion that the intersection creates, noting that it has been equally problematic.

“Every day, it adds at least four to five extra minutes of traffic,” Ramirez stated. “There is a lot of frustration, with drivers frequently switching lanes.”

Jon Honeywell, the Director of Public Works in Little Rock, shared that the project initially started approximately a decade ago at the intersection of Kanis and Shackleford.

The focus has shifted westward to Kanis and Bowman, an area that is particularly bustling at this time of year, with nearby stores such as Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Lowe’s contributing to the increased activity.

Honeywell reported that he and his team had experienced some confusion directly as a result of temporary road markings and lane closures.

“There were instances when the traffic flow at the intersection was quite perplexing,” Honeywell stated. “We made every effort to oversee the situation and adjust it as needed whenever we identified any problems.”

There is a glimmer of hope for drivers facing frustration, as the project is expected to be largely finished by the close of 2024.

“Additional activities will be taking place on the periphery,” Honeywell stated. “Sidewalks are being installed and additional cleanup efforts are underway, aiming for the road to operate in its permanent condition by the year’s end.”

He stated that the sole exception to this would be related to weather conditions. Asphalt cannot be poured if the temperature falls below a specific threshold, as the cold may compromise its strength.

Honeywell indicated that the cleanup efforts, including sidewalks and permanent road markings, are expected to be completed by March 2025. He emphasized once again that the aspects of the project impacting traffic durations should be completed by December.

Drivers such as Thomas and Ramirez are optimistic that their frustrations will soon be behind them.

“It appears this has been happening all year,” Ramirez remarked. “It seems to me that it has maintained the same appearance.”

“The year-end matter,” Thomas remarked. “I’ll repeat it once more.” “I’ll believe it when I witness it.”

Honeywell indicated that if drivers have not observed workers at the intersection lately, it is likely due to the fact that they are engaged in tasks that are less visible at this stage of the project.
“We are continuing to address everything along the edge.” “It is essential to construct the driveways and pour concrete for the businesses and property owners situated along the road,” he stated.

Honeywell indicated that the upcoming weeks may become quite busy as workers transition to the core aspect of the project—the road itself—in an effort to complete it by December 31.
This situation will be particularly significant if they are compelled to address this issue during daylight hours because of the temperature concerns.

“Thank you all for your understanding.” “Please be patient, and we will complete it as swiftly as possible,” he stated.