Little Rock Directors Greenlight Renovation Plans for Arkansas River Trail
On September 4, 2024, the Little Rock City Board approved a 5,000 plan to enhance the city’s bike trails, continuing their efforts to improve the Arkansas River Trail.
This decision marks significant progress in the long-term goal of completing the trail, which has seen various sections reopened and enhanced over the years. The recent approval represents a key step forward in the ongoing endeavor to make the trail safer and more enjoyable for users.
Historically, the Arkansas River Trail has been a significant asset for the city. The 2006 opening of the Big Dam Bridge demonstrated the power of collaborative efforts, connecting the trail on both sides of the river. Since then, the trail has expanded with the addition of other notable bridges such as the Junction Bridge and the Two Rivers Bridge, along with a safer connection over the Broadway Bridge.
In the remarkable but incomplete journey of the Arkansas River Trail, there still remains a crucial gap that keeps the trail from being fully functional. The section through Dillard’s property has long been a contentious point, where various options are being explored to mitigate its impact on the existing infrastructure. Once the preferred alignment is finalized, the city will work with the Arkansas Department of Transportation to ensure a seamless integration with the scheduled Gill Street Bridge replacement.
This trail connectivity is crucial not only for residents and visitors but also for various projects currently underway in the area. The completion of the Arkansas River Trail will significantly improve the overall connectivity and recreational opportunities for Little Rock and North Little Rock, as projects such as the Maumelle Pinnacle Initiative, the Southwest Trail, and the Southeast Trail corridor increasingly rely on this connection being finalized. The Regional Greenways Initiative by MetroPlan also aims to link the trail with Conway, Cabot, and Lonoke, solidifying the importance of this connection.
Their current efforts indicate a strong commitment to resolving this issue and creating a comprehensive and enjoyable trail for everyone to use.
