DESHA COUNTY (10-8) – Crews in Desha County are working on improvements to the State
Highway 4 Spur in Arkansas City that will increase proper drainage in the downtown area,
according to Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) officials.

Due to a lack of existing ditches in some areas and older existing pipes in other areas that
were plugged or in a state of collapse, water was not draining as it should along the Spur
route.

“There was an issue with standing water on Kate Adams Avenue on both sides of the street,”
stated Bryan Swinny, ARDOT District Two Construction Engineer. “The problem area
extended seven blocks, from Sprague Street northeast to County Road 43 at the levee.”

Crews have been on location this summer making improvements along the route that will
ultimately provide a uniform and well-draining ditch section.

“New side-drains and cross-drains have been installed where needed and other existing
drains have been cleaned out,” Swinny added. “Crews have also established some new
ditches and improved grading on existing ditches where needed.”

“The highway improvements taking place in Arkansas City will be of benefit to motorists
visiting this historic city,” stated Highway Commissioner Robert Moore Jr. “With the new
Delta Heritage Trail State Park opening downtown we expect an increased number of
visitors and these improvements will serve the area well.”

Installation of the new drainage pipes is complete. Final ditch grading is currently underway.
Work will be completed by mid-October.

Drivers should exercise caution when approaching and traveling through all highway work
zones. Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov. You
can also follow us on Twitter @myARDOT.

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