Crafton Tull was initially hired in January 2019 to develop a conceptual plan, cost estimate, and preliminary environmental narrative for a U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) Grant Application to cover the cost of improving Zeuber Road. In September 2019, the EDA funding was awarded, and Crafton Tull was hired to complete the project by December 31, 2020, which left an aggressive schedule of 15 months to complete the design, permitting, and construction of a nearly $5 million project. This schedule was set to secure the development of a new 3.5 million square foot facility with the ability to create 1,000 new jobs. Ultimately, it was revealed that the development was Amazon’s new LIT-1 Fulfillment Center.

It soon became clear that the infrastructure needs for Amazon exceeded the plans for improving Zeuber Road. Crafton Tull worked with the Regional Chamber, Port, City, County, and Amazon’s developer and engineer to identify approximately $6 million in additional needed transportation and infrastructure improvements. The improvements provided an alternate route to I-440, reduced heavy vehicle traffic through the College Station community, improved intersections on the Port’s busiest road, and upgraded rail crossing controls.

The widening of Fourche Dam Pike added two 14-foot travel lanes and 6-foot paved shoulders. At the intersection of Lindsey Road and Frazier Pike, traffic signals and 12-foot turn lanes were designed for both directions of travel. As with the Zeuber Road project, widening Fourche Dam Pike required continued funding coordination with Pulaski County and the City of Little Rock. Crafton Tull collaborated with stakeholders to earn funding through grants awarded by the EDA. The project was completed in Fall of 2021 and had a final cost of $2.8 million.

Pratt Remmel Road was also extended to help route trucks away from an adjacent residential area and elementary school. This portion of the project included widening approximately 2,300 linear feet of Frazier Pike and connecting to the new extension of Pratt Remmel Road. Required studies included wetland and stream delineation, traffic noise study, hazardous materials site assessment, endangered species review, environmental justice review, and public involvement. The project went from design kick-off in July 2020 to completion in July 2021 and was completed under the $2.54 million budget at $2.38 million.

Another essential piece of improving accessibility for the new developments at the Port included connectivity to I-440 via improved intersections and ramps. Crafton Tull provided designs for improvements to these access points at Fourche Dam Pike and I-440. The second commitment was in early 2020, with improvements funded, designed, permitted, and constructed by June 1, 2021.