Intersection Improvement Grant Program

The Intersection Improvement Program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Transportation through its Local Programs Division. The program was established in 2005 to address safety and operational needs at highway intersections across the state. Since its inception, the program has supported improvements at more than 50 intersections in 33 counties, reflecting a statewide effort to enhance roadway safety and accommodate increasing traffic volumes and land development pressures. The program focuses specifically on intersections located on the State Highway System, ensuring that improvements are aligned with statewide transportation priorities. The primary purpose of the program is to provide funding for infrastructure projects that improve the safety and efficiency of highway intersections. Eligible activities include the construction of new traffic signals, upgrades to existing signals, geometric intersection improvements, installation of roundabouts, and signal coordination projects. These improvements are intended to address traffic congestion, improve access between highways and local roads, and reduce crash risks. All proposed intersections must meet the signalization warrants defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to qualify for funding consideration. Funding under the program is structured as a cost-sharing model involving federal, state, and local contributions. Projects are typically funded with 80 percent federal-aid, 10 percent state funds, and a required 10 percent local match from the sponsoring entity. The maximum federal-aid contribution per project is capped at one million dollars for all phases, including design and construction. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is responsible for preparing project plans, awarding construction contracts, and conducting inspections, all of which are considered eligible project expenses. Eligibility is limited to local public agencies that serve as project sponsors. These include municipalities and unincorporated areas, with a specific limitation that cities with populations under 200,000 may apply directly. Municipalities located within the boundaries of federally designated Transportation Management Areas are required to seek funding through their respective Metropolitan Planning Organizations instead of this program. Once a project is completed, the sponsoring municipality assumes responsibility for ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with traffic control devices. The application process is initiated by the local public agency submitting a formal request letter to the Director of the Arkansas Department of Transportation. Following submission, the department evaluates the proposed intersection to determine eligibility. If deemed eligible, the department provides a preliminary cost estimate, and the sponsor must pass a project resolution and enter into an agreement outlining roles and responsibilities. The sponsor is also required to submit a deposit for preliminary engineering before full design and construction activities proceed. The program operates on a rolling basis, allowing eligible sponsors to request funding at any time throughout the year. There is no fixed annual deadline, and funding is made available each federal fiscal year. The process includes several milestones, such as project evaluation, agreement execution, plan preparation, project advertisement, and construction contract award. Upon completion, the sponsor takes responsibility for electrical service and maintenance of the installed infrastructure. For additional information, applicants may contact the Local Programs Division via email or phone. The program emphasizes collaboration between state and local entities to ensure that intersection improvements are effectively designed, implemented, and maintained, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient transportation systems across Arkansas.