MTP Chapter 4

The core policies described in Chapter 3 aim to meet future transportation demand with balance that includes an efficient freeway system, a strategic regional arterial network, a complete Regional Greenways system, expanded regional and local transit, and more walkable and bikeable communities, all maintained in a good state of repair.

An incremental approach over the plan’s horizon will include impactful standalone projects that are programed into Metroplan’s Transportation Improvement Program, a document that develops from infrastructure needs of our partners.

Roadway Projects

Vehicles, for personal use, freight, and transit, are the primary transportation mode in Central Arkansas. The MTP aims for freeways and a Regional Arterial Network that are in good repair, safe, and efficient. Projects for roads are categorized as maintenance, operational improvements, widening, and new facilities.

Maintenance

Maintenance will take priority in project development to prevent premature infrastructure decline and aid financial constraint. Maintenance is classified as either “Routine,” “Major Rehabilitation and Repair,” or “Bridge Replacement.”
Routine tasks include maintaining joints, minor roadway repairs, traffic signal repair, lane striping, signs, and mowing, and will be short term in nature. Routine maintenance is covered under the agency’s general budget and often performed by staff.

Rehabilitation is a more substantial project often performed every 10-20 years. This may consist of replacing or overlaying pavement or a complete reconstruction where additional degrading has occurred. Updates to pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure may be included in rehabilitation projects. ARDOT Rehabilitation projects are performed consistent with the Transportation Asset Management Plan and are usually listed in the TIP. See 2022-TAMP (ardot.gov).

Bridges are rated as in good, fair, or poor condition based upon their substructure and decking, with the lowest ranking reflecting the bridge conditions. Bridges that are in poor condition or do not meet current standards require major rehabilitation or should be replaced. Bridges in fair condition will require extensive maintenance or replacement during the plan period. Recent analysis shows that 3% (or 7% of the deck area) of the region’s more than 1,350 bridges are rated in poor condition and 44% (or 53% of the deck area) is rated in fair condition (see Appendix 6).

Operational Improvements

Operational improvements increase safety and efficiency on existing infrastructure. These improvements can be made to roadway corridors by adding turn lanes, improving signage, or with intelligent transportation systems that coordinate traffic lights or alert users to roadway conditions. In some cases, reallocating space with road diets may improve conditions for all users.

Rail grade separation projects minimize conflicts between railways and travelers by physically separating the crossing with an overpass or underpass. On key corridors, these separations minimize delays caused by passing trains and help reduce the potential for serious accidents with roadway users.

Intersections and interchanges can also be optimized to improve a corridor. Technology at traffic lights can sense when cars are queuing and change the light based on need. Emergency vehicles can also trigger sensors to traverse an intersection safely and quickly. Also, clear pavement markings and directional signage are low-tech fixes that enhance user awareness resulting in improved operations. Interchanges are similar and the addition of turn lanes, new ramps, or signal modifications can improve traffic operations.

Widening and New Roadways

Where additional travel lane capacity is needed, widening of freeways and arterials may be considered to address recurring congestion. Technology changes may also impact capacity needs in the long-term; therefore, widening projects are largely based on current needs. Widening projects are often conducted in association with major rehabilitation projects.

ARDOT has identified several widening projects as part of the Connecting Arkansas Program Phase II. This program is proposed to add travel lanes or address interchange congestion along several freeways and major arterials within Central Arkansas. These projects are shown in figure 4.2. with an estimated time for their completion.

New roads may relieve congestion on an existing facility, strengthen the road network or provide better connections between destinations. New facilities are constructed as partnering projects with substantial local contributions.