Best solution reached

The “30 Crossing” project is easily the most challenging project undertaken by the Highway Department. It could just as easily have branded the project “The Diamond” because of its complexity and many facets. This extraordinary project has required extraordinary communication and collaboration between all parties.

This is a 6.5-mile corridor intersected by five interstates, multiple other state highways, city streets, bike/pedestrian trails, a major railroad yard, and a navigable waterway. Users include passenger vehicles, commercial motor vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. The fabric of the community includes the Little Rock Central Business District, tourist attractions, an entertainment district, parks, schools, industrial areas, and residential neighborhoods. The I-30 corridor through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock is diverse and complex.

When early alternatives were first presented, North Little Rock residents north of Broadway and south of I-40 were very concerned. They contacted Sen. Linda Chesterfield and me, and we contacted the department. We met, they listened, we proposed changes, they proposed changes; there was a tremendous amount of back-and-forth dialogue over several months. The end result was a perfect solution; all didn’t get exactly what they wanted, but we mutually agreed on the “best” solution given all the factors involved.

Sen. Chesterfield and I are extremely pleased with the process and the outcome. We applaud the department and its team at Garver for being open to discuss and address concerns. A project of this magnitude is not going to garner unanimous support, but it is imperative that a process be in place that allows for two-way communication. That has been achieved on this project and the citizens of North Little Rock are a testament. EDDIE ARMSTRONG

North Little Rock Eddie Armstrong represents state House District 37.