Using Design-Build to Create a Smoother, Safer Connection for Arkansas Along the I-30 Corridor

Challenge

Due to robust economic growth, the I-30 corridor through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock faced increasing congestion and safety concerns. In recent years, the highway, which provided five interstate connections and a critical river crossing, struggled to handle growing traffic volumes, leading to delays, inefficient freight movement and safety risks for drivers.

Navigating the complex urban landscape required a construction strategy that balanced infrastructure improvements while maintaining access to the two downtown areas. Businesses, government offices and residential communities depended on the corridor for mobility, meaning that prolonged closures or major traffic shifts would have widespread economic and social consequences. The need for increased capacity and operational improvements was clear, but executing the project without creating further disruptions to daily commuters and businesses presented a significant challenge.

Solution

To address these challenges, ARDOT strategically selected a design-build model to complete this project, and partnered with the Kiewit-Massman Construction (KMC) Joint Venture (JV) and Burns & McDonnell to complete this first-of-its-kind transportation project. Burns & McDonnell served as designer of record for this JV team, leading bridge, roadway, drainage and traffic design. The partnership leveraged extensive experience in the use of design-build for first-time customers, innovative transportation infrastructure design and complex bridge construction to develop solutions that enhanced efficiency, minimized disruption and kept the project on schedule.

One of the key innovations offered by this design-build model was the use of an optimization and refinement period after award. This approach increased collaboration among the owner, engineers and construction teams, leading to refinements in the project scope and reduced project risks earlier in design. This collaboration not only minimized disruptions to traffic but also streamlined construction, improving cost efficiency and expediting delivery for 48 design packages in just 16 months.

To provide effective maintenance of traffic throughout construction, the team strategically divided work packages by geographically based zones, rather than by scopes of work. This methodology saw that construction sequencing aligned with real-time traffic management needs, reducing the number of lane shifts and allowing crews to work more safely and efficiently. By maintaining the existing number of lanes during peak travel times and maintaining uninterrupted access to the Arkansas River bridge, the team successfully mitigated disruptions to the 130,000 commuter and freight vehicles traveling the section of I-30 each day.

Results

The 30 Crossing Project has delivered significant infrastructure improvements that will benefit Arkansas for decades to come. The project successfully improved 33.7 lane miles and replaced 15 bridges including the Arkansas River bridge. These enhancements resulted in a safer and more efficient transportation corridor for commuter and freight traffic and provided an improved navigation channel and maritime traffic along the MKARNS.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project has had a profound impact on urban revitalization efforts in Little Rock and North Little Rock. The reconstruction of the U.S. Highway 10 interchange has created a more efficient gateway into downtown Little Rock, diffusing traffic more effectively and providing new opportunities for greenspace and redevelopment. Pedestrian-friendly design elements have been incorporated into the project, improving walkability and enhancing connectivity between local businesses and residential areas.

The project emphasized collaboration, efficiency and innovation, as it successfully modernized one of the state’s most vital transportation corridors. Aligned with the DOT’s broader goals and Arkansas’ commitment to economic inclusion, the project also achieved 7.5% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation, strengthening local and minority-owned businesses.

The 30 Crossing Project stands as a landmark achievement in Arkansas’ transportation infrastructure. The project serves as a model for future large-scale transportation initiatives, demonstrating the value of strategic design, careful planning and stakeholder collaboration.