Midtown Corridor Project
The Midtown Corridor includes sections of Porter Rd, Deane St, Sycamore St and Poplar St. This corridor is an important east-west connection for vehicle and bus traffic. The corridor is also densely populated with flat terrain making it an optimal route for a new 1.75-mile-long shared use paved trail being called the Midtown Trail.
In addition to the new trail, the project will include new curbs, storm drainage, lighting, street trees and sidewalks with greenspace.
Specific Improvements Planned by Section:
Porter and Deane Intersection
- Street widened from 2 to 3 lanes to include a center turn lane
- Roundabout planned at the Porter Road intersection in front of the Police Headquarters
- Sidewalks on portions of the west side of Porter and the south side of Deane St
- A 12-foot wide trail on the east side of Porter and the north side of Deane St
- Access the overall site layout
Deane Street
- Street widened from 2 to 3 lanes to include a center turn lane
- Connected Sidewalks on the south side from Porter Road to Lynn’s Place
- A 12-foot wide trail on the north side along the U of A Agricultural Experiment Station
- Enhanced trail crossing at Lynn’s Place, connecting through Tri Cycle Farm to Sycamore St
Sycamore Street from Garland to the Razorback Greenway
- 12-foot wide shared use paved trail on south side
- Sidewalks on the north side
Poplar Street from Razorback Greenway to College Avenue
- 12-foot wide shared use paved trail the north side from Razorback Greenway to Gregg Ave
- 10-foot wide shared use paved trail on the south side of street from Yates Ave to Woodland Ave
Woodland Avenue
- Pavement markings designating a on street bike route that is shared with vehicles (no bike lanes or trail)
- Enhanced crossing of Sycamore St. to access Gregory Park
Why is It Important?
Issues on this corridor are varied, and include traffic congestion at I-49, lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, drainage issues and congestion issues between Garland Ave and Leverett Ave, and an over-built section that could be reconfigured to three lanes with better bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
How will it be funded?
Design and construction of the Midtown Trail Corridor will be partially funded with bond monies approved by voters in April, 2019.
What is the Current Status?
Updated 11/02/23
Starting November 6, the section of W. Deane St. from N. Stephen Carr Memorial Blvd to N. Sang Ave will be closed to through-traffic for approximately one month during construction to widen the road and install storm drains.
Construction for the road widening will include clearing and grubbing, excavating, undercut and backfill, embankment installation and subgrade preparation.
When will it be completed?
Updated 11/13/2023
The improvements to Porter Road and Deane St along the frontage of the new Police Department Headquarters and Fire Station 8 are complete.
The Deane/Sycamore/Poplar phase will take 15 to 18 months and should be completed by April of 2025.
Below are the proposed dates for major project milestones as provided by the contractor. View the full construction schedule (PDF).