It s quite possibly the biggest project Texarkana has ever seen.
The Interstate 30 makeover recently got under way, with promises of improved traffic and more growth for Texarkana.

Its more than 150 million price tag puts it on the map as the second biggest story of 2006.

In September 2003, the first major part of the project was announced as having secured funding: the interchange of the interstate and U.S. Highway 59.

The current dangerous loop will be reconfigured to offer a direct connection.

For the last few years, officials have worked to get funding for the other components: making the frontage roads one way and moving them under overpasses, reconstructing all the exit and entrance ramps, widening existing bridges and constructing new ones, and reconstructing the State Line interchange.

In early 2005, the Texarkana, Texas, City Council approved a resolution vowing to fund half the frontage road costs, splitting the total 36 million needed with Bowie County.

Finally, in 2006, all funding had been secured, and at the end of August state and federal officials gathered at the Texas Travel Information Center in Texarkana to laud the project and break ground.

Bob Ratcliff, the Atlanta District engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation, said the 154 million price was a record for work in this area, with boundaries stretching from Jefferson Avenue on the Arkansas side to Kings Highway on the Texas side.

Officials were excited about the project, which after completion will allow drivers to go all the way from Jefferson to Kings without hitting one traffic light.

Officials were excited about the project, which after completion will allow drivers to go all the way from Jefferson to Kings without hitting one traffic light.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry was at the ceremony to commend the new road system.

This is history being made here, he said.
U.S.

Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Texas, called it one of the greatest projects, and Bowie County Judge James Carlow noted that the county was happy to make an investment on behalf of its taxpayers.

Prissy Hickerson, the former chairman of the Arkansas Highway Commission, also was happy to do her part to make sure the Arkansas side of Texarkana was involved.

It also signals the beginning of a roadwork nightmare.

Work actually began in November, and for four years work will continue on the project. Drivers will have to learn to adapt and be patient.

There is no doubt traffic problems will increase while the work is being conducted, but once it is completed, it should improve mobility all along I-30, said Kenny Icenhower, area engineer for TxDOT in Texarkana.
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