South Loop Study

Purpose of the Study

The emergence of Central Arkansas as a logistics hub has produced increased pressure on port and rail traffic in and around the Port of Little Rock. The inflow and outflow of goods, services and employees is currently affected by delays caused by deliveries from the Class I railroads an internal switching operations of the Little Rock Port Authority Railroad. Trains blocking the railroad crossing Fourche Dam Pike frequently result in traffic backing up onto the I-440 exit ramps.

A more direct route to I-530 creates access to developable land south of the Port while providing opportunities for capitalizing on new labor markets and material supplies in South Arkansas. Additionally, a connection to I-530 may have the potential to relieve congestion at the I-530 & I-30 interchange as well as create an alternative route to the Port from I-30 in instances of congestion or delays on I-440. This study is the result of a thorough analysis of alternative routes to achieve these goals, including public outreach, preliminary traffic, civil engineering, and environmental analysis.