LITTLE ROCK, AR — The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).

The RAISE grant funding will be used to reconstruct 3.5 miles of Highway 5 (Old Stagecoach Road) in Saline County between Highway 183 in Bryant and the Pulaski County Line. Plans include widening the highway to five lanes and adding a shared-use path and continuous sidewalks.

“This project will complete the widening of Highway 5 between Benton and Little Rock as well as provide improved bicycle and pedestrian access along the busy corridor,” said ARDOT Director Lorie Tudor. “We appreciate the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing this project as one that will improve safety and mobility for the traveling public, and we thank the Congressional Delegation for advocating for Arkansas’ infrastructure.”

The RAISE Grant program was expanded under the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. During this funding cycle, the USDOT awarded $2.2 billion in grant funding for 162 different infrastructure projects across the country. RAISE Grant funding prioritizes projects that improve safety, quality of life, mobility, community connectivity, and economic opportunity.

The City of Russellville also received a $23.7 million RAISE Grant this funding cycle for 13 miles of new multi-use trails and side paths.

“Improvements to our transportation infrastructure such as this are crucial to Arkansas’ economic development and enhancing our standard of living,” said U.S. Senator John Boozman. “I’m pleased the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded this funding for projects important to Natural State communities.”