Arkansas AGC contributes to Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Arkansas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America Inc. recently made a $2,500 contribution to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-South Inc. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.

"The state of Arkansas has been good to the construction industry throughout its history and, as a thank you, the AGC gives back to a group in the state each year that provides for the betterment of its citizens," said 2004 AGC President Jimmy Alessi.

The AGC has also supported the Ronald McDonald House, the Arkansas School for the Deaf and the Little Rock Boys & Girls Club with large building projects. Additionally, the AGC supports construction education through the donation of college scholarships each year to Arkansas citizens attending Arkansas universities.

FHWA's Peters tours North Little Rock's U.S. Hwy. 67/167

Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters recently toured the construction site on U.S. Highway 67/167 in North Little Rock, getting a firsthand view of technologies that will save taxpayer dollars and provide for a longer lasting road.

The technologies include high-strength, longer-lasting concrete, maintenance-free steel beams and higher visibility road markings, and are expected to provide a longer lasting roadway with reduced maintenance costs, Peters said.

Special weather-resistant steel used in the new bridges never need to be painted over the 50-year lifespan of the bridge.

"Our goal is to provide reliable and lasting solutions to the thousands of frustrated drivers who for years have been forced to maneuver through the Highway 67/167 bottleneck to get to their jobs and families," said Peters.

Highway 67/167 is the main corridor in and out of Little Rock from the north, with approximately 80,000 vehicles traveling the road each day. The highway is currently a four-lane divided highway that is often congested.

"Transportation moves the American economy," Peters said. "When complete, this project will improve the quality of life for the families who commute to jobs, schools and stores using this route."

The $59 million corridor project will widen the highway to six lanes, relocate entrance and exit ramps, and add connectors between the frontage roads. The expansion and improvements will add capacity to Highway 67/167 and improve safety.

The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department is building the project with oversight by the Federal Highway Administration.