Momentum continues to build on the Southwest Trail in Saline County as local officials push forward on multiple segments of the planned 60-mile greenway connecting Little Rock to Hot Springs. With construction, design, and coordination efforts happening simultaneously across the county, the project is beginning to take shape, even as key challenges remain.
The next major milestone comes later this month.
Ribbon Cutting Announced for Segment 8A
Saline County will host a ribbon-cutting for Segment 8A of the Southwest Trail on May 29 at 10 a.m. The event will take place near the Bauxite Ridge Church area off Germania Road (location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdCwBAsmzPvnw8X97 , marking the completion of another critical piece of the trail as it approaches the Pulaski County line.
Section 8A spans roughly two miles and links to the previously completed segment in Pulaski County, creating nearly seven miles of continuous protected greenway between the two counties.
Multiple Segments Moving Forward
While the ribbon cutting highlights visible progress, much of the work on the Southwest Trail continues behind the scenes.
According to Saline County Judge Matt Brumley, the county is currently advancing several segments at once, including design and engineering work on sections extending toward the Garland County line.
“We do a lot of these simultaneously,” he said. “A lot of times, we find ourselves in a waiting game, just working through different hurdles before we can move forward.”
One of the most significant challenges involves safely crossing major transportation corridors, including Highway 67. Engineers are evaluating multiple options, including grade-separated crossings similar to those found on Northwest Arkansas’ Razorback Regional Greenway.
“We’re working with engineers to figure out the best way to make those crossings happen,” Brumley said. “We’re always looking at options and what they mean financially.”
Old River Bridge Delays Highlight Ongoing Challenges
Progress has been slower on some sections, particularly near the Old River Bridge in Benton, where right-of-way acquisition and coordination with Union Pacific Railroad have proven more complex than expected.
“That puzzle of right-of-way acquisition has become more challenging than we initially thought,” Brumley said. “We’ve been in ongoing discussions with Union Pacific, and that has prolonged this portion of the trail.”
Despite the delays, Brumley expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached soon, potentially clearing the way for construction to begin on key connections within Benton.
Read about the reopening of the historic Old River Bridge in Saline County after more than 50 years
https://arkansasoutside.com/historic-old-river-bridge-reopens-after-51-years-in-saline-county/
Local Connections Add Value to the Corridor
Cities along the route are also working to tie into the Southwest Trail, helping expand its reach and impact. In Bryant, a connector project linking the city’s park system to the trail has already secured funding.
“All things are connected,” Brumley said. “The Southwest Trail is going to bring people in, tourists and enthusiasts, and when it’s complemented with connectors and spurs into cities like Bryant and Benton, it helps people discover everything those communities have to offer.”
Those local connections are expected to play a major role in maximizing the economic and recreational benefits of the trail across the region.
Beyond drawing visitors to the region, the Southwest Trail and its connecting routes are already enhancing quality of life for local residents. During a ride in February, we encountered cyclists, runners, and walkers taking advantage of a beautiful day along a safe and scenic corridor.
Maintenance and Safety Remain a Priority
As construction progresses, county leaders are also planning for the long-term responsibilities that come with maintaining a trail system of this scale.
“This process doesn’t end with construction,” Brumley said. “We’re committed to maintaining it for as long as the Southwest Trail is here.”
Saline County is organizing crews to handle upkeep across its properties, including the trail, focusing on tasks like mowing, clearing debris, and general maintenance along the roughly 26 miles that will run through the county.
Safety is also a major consideration, particularly at road crossings. While not all crossings fall under county control, Brumley said visibility and warning systems will be key components.
“High visibility in those areas is part of that,” he said, noting that flashing pedestrian signals are expected at higher-traffic crossings.
A Long-Term Vision Taking Shape
Though challenges remain, the steady progress across Saline County signals that the Southwest Trail is moving closer to becoming a reality. Once complete, the trail will connect communities across central Arkansas, linking neighborhoods, parks, and downtowns while offering a new way to experience the region.
For now, the focus is on continuing to build, segment by segment, and celebrating milestones like the upcoming ribbon cutting on May 29.
The story from Garland and Pulaski Counties:
- Read more about progress on the Southwest Trail in Garland County and Hot Springs
https://arkansasoutside.com/southwest-trail-garland-county-hot-springs/ - Get the latest update on Southwest and Southeast Trail developments in Pulaski County
https://arkansasoutside.com/pulaski-county-southwest-southeast-trails-new-judge/
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
