FAQs
Pulaski, Saline, and Garland Counties are working to develop a trail to connect to Hot Springs National Park, the Old River Bridge on the Saline River, the Little Rock Central High School Historic Site, and the Arkansas River Trail System that allows for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely enjoy outdoor recreation while providing an economic stimulus to the local and regional economies.
What is the status of the Environmental Assessment
On November 19, 2020, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), completing the project’s Environmental Assessment phase.
For more than a year, the Garver Team conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA), which analyzed options for the trail route across Pulaski, Saline and Garland counties, reviewing each for impacts to the public and the environment. Through input gathered at in-person and virtual public meetings, options were narrowed to a preferred alignment presented last summer in a 45-day virtual public hearing. Upon compilation of and response to public comments, a final EA was submitted to ARDOT and FHWA for review, comment, and approval. The November 2020 receipt of the FONSI is important because it cleared the full 60-mile trail project for engineering design.
How long is the trail?
The trail is estimated to be approximately 60 miles long and located in Garland, Saline, and Pulaski counties.
What will the trail look like?
The trail will use a variety of shared-use paths along existing roadways as well as new location sections. See the Reports page for further information.
What is considered during the trail design?
The design process involves more than drawing lines on maps. There are many considerations to make the Southwest Trail a safe, enjoyable, cost-efficient trail that fits well into the communities it will impact. Some of these considerations include:
Road crossings, bridges and culverts, railroad crossings, safety, residential impacts, business impacts, economic impacts, indirect impacts, Environmental Justice, wetlands, floodplains, endangered species, access and user safety, community connections, topography (trail grade), hazardous materials sites, and right of way and construction costs.
When will the trail be constructed?
Funding for construction has not been determined, and the availability of funding will dictate when the trail sections are built and complete. It is likely the trail will be built in sections and over a period of time as funding allows. It is too early to say when construction will begin and be complete.
How much will the trail cost?
The preliminary estimate is approximately $42 million, which does not include any right-of-way acquisition. It is anticipated that the trail will be funded through a variety of ways, including grants and private financing.
How will the trail be maintained?
Each jurisdiction will determine how the trail is maintained. The project team is already hearing from bicycling groups and other individuals who may volunteer their time.
The proposed trail alignment may impact my property. What's going to happen?
If the final alignment is on your property, you will be contacted and negotiations will take place with you as the property owner.
Who is the project team?
The project is owned by Pulaski, Saline, and Garland counties. Engineering firm Garver is providing Environmental Assessment services. The Federal Highway Administration and ARDOT are providing oversight responsibilities in coordination with the counties.
