Major Upgrades Announced For 30/430 Interchange

LITTLE ROCK, AR -- The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department announced major upgrades to the Interstate 30-430 Interchange.

Engineers say increased traffic in Southwest Little Rock is the reason for the safety improvements.

"Nobody likes to sit in traffic. This is a quality of life enhancement," said spokesperson Danny Straessle.

There are many improvements to the intersection.

But the upgrade with the biggest impact includes widening 430-South to three lanes from Stagecoach Road, making the ramp to I-30 two lanes, and building a new ramp to the Frontage Road.

"It eliminates the weaving movements from traffic entering I-30 going west and traffic entering Otter Creek Road," said driver Dale Gossien.

Leaders say the interchange improvements, plus the new Bass Pro Shop development, and a new Pulaski Tech Culinary School will have a major impact on Southwest Little Rock.

"All of that will drive the economy of this whole area and I think it's very exciting," said PTC President  Margaret Ellibee

Construction could start in 2015.

Leaders say they can't say how much the project will cost because it is still in the early phases of development.