Central Arkansas communities are set to receive a combined $1.675 million in federal transportation grants to fund trail construction and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, the Metroplan Board of Directors announced March 2.
The funding comes through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), a federal-aid program administered by the Federal Highway Administration. Metroplan, the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for Faulkner, Lonoke, Pulaski and Saline counties, distributed the grants among six projects following an application process and board review. All projects require a minimum 20% local match.
The awards cover TAP Federal Fiscal Year 2027 funding. Applications were submitted Jan. 9, 2026.
“The list of awarded projects reflects the Metroplan Board’s commitment to investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, as well as projects that address multimodal safety and intersection improvements,” the organization said in a statement.
Here is a breakdown of the six funded projects:
Benton: Alcoa Trail Phases 1 and 2 ($335,000, Design)
The city of Benton will use the funding to design a new trail along Alcoa Boulevard from Military Road to Benton Parkway, a corridor of approximately 2.25 miles. The majority of the route will feature a 10-foot asphalt path placed within existing right-of-way outside the clear zone. Near the Military Road intersection, the trail transitions to a 6-foot sidewalk behind a new curbed roadway section beginning after Ferguson Drive.
Bryant: Midland Park to Highway 5 Trail ($270,000, Design)
Bryant will design a multi-use trail connecting Midland Park to Highway 5. The trail will begin at the first public entrance of Midland Park on Midland Road and run south to Highway 5, where it will tie into ongoing trail improvements associated with an Arkansas Department of Transportation road widening project.
Cabot: CARG Phase 3 Design ($65,000, Design)
Cabot received funding to design improvements along South Pine Street/Arkansas Highway 89 from Main Street southward for approximately 3,390 feet. The project will design curb, gutter and a closed drainage system to allow placement of the regional greenway within city right-of-way at 14 feet in width.
Maumelle: Woodland Drive Trail and Intersection Improvements ($335,000, Construction)
Maumelle’s project will move directly into construction, enhancing the intersection at Woodland Drive and North Odom Boulevard to improve pedestrian safety and facilitate safer road crossings. The project also includes construction of a new trail along Woodland Drive from North Odom Boulevard to a designated crosswalk, and from Stoneledge Drive to Edgewood Drive, along with a clearly marked crosswalk at the intersection.
Pulaski County: SE Trail Phase 2 ($335,000, Construction)
Pulaski County will use its award to continue construction of the Southeast Trail, extending east from the end of Phase 1 to Temple Street along the Arkansas River levee. The trail follows the south side of the levee near the pump stations. For more on the Southeast Trail, see our article.
Sherwood: Woodruff Creek Trail ($335,000, Design)
Sherwood will fund design of an improvement to the Woodruff Creek Trail, which runs along Woodruff Creek. The project covers the trail from Club Road, between Greenview Circle and Alanbrook Avenue, east to the end of Marlar Drive.
Metroplan has operated as a voluntary association of local governments since 1955. For more information, visit www.metroplan.org.
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