Arkansas Awarded $27 Million Highway Overpass Contract
Mobley Contractors will replace a flood-prone underpass near Buckner with a new bridge structure.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Construction
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The Arkansas Department of Transportation has awarded a $27 million contract to Mobley Contractors to replace a flood-prone underpass near Buckner. The project aims to eliminate persistent drainage issues and improve safety on U.S. 82.
Why it matters
The current underpass has experienced frequent flooding and served as the site of past traffic accidents, necessitating a more reliable infrastructure solution. This new bridge will accommodate future widening of the highway while maintaining railroad operations.
Mobley Contractors submitted a winning bid of $27,033,828.20 for the project. The design features a new bridge with four 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot-wide shoulders along a 6,630-foot roadway alignment.
The players
Arkansas Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of the state's highway and bridge infrastructure.
Mobley Contractors
This construction firm specializes in large-scale civil engineering projects including highway and bridge infrastructure.
Union Pacific Railroad
This major freight railroad company operates a vast network of tracks that often necessitates coordination with state highway authorities.
The details
The project replaces an existing underpass with an overpass crossing Union Pacific Railroad tracks, utilizing a new roadbed that terminates at the Dorcheat Bayou bridge. Construction activities include extensive earthwork, pavement removal, bridge girder installation, and drainage improvements.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The project contract was officially reported.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader industry shift toward prioritizing the replacement of aging, flood-prone underpasses with more resilient bridge infrastructure. By focusing on elevated overpasses, the state is aligning with federal engineering standards that favor long-term climate adaptation over recurring maintenance.
Commuters traveling on U.S. 82 near Buckner can expect long-term improvements to road safety and a significant reduction in flood-related delays once the bridge is complete. During the construction phase, drivers should prepare for potential traffic pattern changes as the alignment is adjusted.
The takeaway
Infrastructure projects like this overpass represent a shift toward preventing future environmental disruptions rather than repeatedly repairing damaged roads. Drivers should monitor state transit alerts for upcoming project timelines and potential detours in Columbia County.
Further reading
For more information on state infrastructure updates, visit Construction.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Magnolia Reporter - Magnolia, Arkansas News.
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