LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the widening of a stretch of Interstate 30 in Saline County is nearing five years of construction, the Arkansas Department of Transportation has moved to place the contractor in "default of contract" to get the project completed.
On Tuesday, ARDOT officials met with the Arkansas Highway Commission, where they recommended putting Johnson Brothers Corporation, a Southland Company, in contract default. The company accepted the project to work on widening 5.5 miles of Interstate 30 to six lanes. If approved, ARDOT could kick Johnson Brothers off the job.
But even if that happens, it wouldn't necessarily mean more delays, as a bonding company with Johnson Brothers is expected to find a replacement company to finish the job.
The project has been fraught with delays as vehicles face accidents and blown tires daily. The average number of annually reported accidents has more than doubled since construction began in 2019.
Drivers who weave through the busy construction area want a solution soon, including Benton Mayor Tom Farmer.
"All those detours, all those vehicles, trying to speed up, go around, go through our city, creates a safety issue for our pedestrians, kids and families," Tom Farmer said. "Creating havoc on our roads."
In the meeting, Arkansas Highway Commission Chairman Alec Farmer said the state is committed to completing the project.
"The Arkansas Department of Transportation is committed to getting this project completed as quickly as possible," Alec Farmer said. "Regardless of whether it's with the current contractor or not."
The recommendation for default status, according to ARDOT, is to "ensure [the project] is progressed to completion in a timely manner."
“The Arkansas Highway Commission will consider the facts presented by ARDOT and any proposed remediation by the contractor before making a final decision on whether to grant ARDOT’s recommendation,” Alec Farmer said. “The ultimate goal is to complete this project as expeditiously as possible and provide a safe road for the traveling public.”
ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor said the decision to move in this direction wasn't taken lightly.
“This is unprecedented territory for us, and it’s not something we arrived at lightly,” Tudor said. “This is in the best interest of those affected daily by this work zone.”
The $187 million project began in May 2019 and had an estimated completion date of November 2022. The end date was moved to April 2023 due to "unforeseen field conditions" and has yet to be finished.
According to ARDOT officials, the project completion date is now January 2025.
"It's been a work in process, but stronger measures need to be taken," Alec Farmer said, "Five years is too long."
Before final action is taken on the recommendation, the construction company has a "period of time" to respond.