Three Halff Projects Honored by ACEC Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Three Halff projects earned recognition from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Arkansas chapter. The Fort Smith Regional Airport Runway 8-26 Extension received the project winner award for transportation, while the Highway 102 Pedestrian Tunnel in Bentonville (structural systems) and the Jonesboro Health Accelerator Plan (studies, research and consulting engineering services) garnered honor awards.

The airport can now soar to new heights with its runway extension that can safely welcome more varieties of aircraft.

Fort Smith Regional Airport (Ebbing Field) was notified in June 2021 that it was a finalist for the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) Pilot Training Center, which includes F-16 and F-35 training missions for foreign countries. The City of Fort Smith reached out to the project team to evaluate construction of a 1,301-ft extension to the current 8,017-ft Runway 8-26, needed for operational startup by fall 2023. The team developed a detailed schedule to track individual progress for key project elements among many notable stakeholders. These efforts fast-tracked it to completion in just over two years, with final project delivery by September 2023. The project team consisted of Halff, Garver, McClelland Consulting Engineers, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, and NV5 Geospatial.

The Highway 102 Pedesterian Tunnel also allows for safe and easy access to the newly-built adjacent apartment complex.

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), daily traffic on Highway 102 (14th Street) in Bentonville has surged by 200% since 1990, raising safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. The Highway 102 Pedestrian Tunnel was developed to address these issues, providing a vital link to enhance safety and connectivity. Halff led the design, in partnership with the City of Bentonville and the Trailblazers. The project involved comprehensive efforts, including site layout, grading, erosion control, structural components and the installation of a stormwater lift station to ensure safe conditions during heavy rainfall. Effective coordination with stakeholders and value engineering helped reduce disruptions, utility relocations and costs. Overcoming challenges such as existing utilities, bedrock and overhead power lines, the project utilized precast concrete boxes and were poured-in-place for precision and efficiency. Now recently opened, the tunnel promotes safer, alternative transportation options and supports Bentonville’s vision of a sustainable, connected and livable community.

Not only did the Plan improve inclusive recreation, but also included elements of sustainable design.

The Jonesboro Health Accelerator Plan aims to improve the social determinants of health (SDOH) by increasing access to inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with physical, emotional and mental disabilities within the City’s parks system. Only 20% of Jonesboro residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, exacerbating disparities for vulnerable populations. Developed with input from a diverse leadership team of community partners, the plan emphasizes community involvement and innovative strategies. Focused surveys were conducted to capture the needs of individuals with disabilities, which informed tailored recommendations for park enhancements. In just two months post-adoption, the city has initiated implementation, earmarking funds for adaptive recreation projects and planning a new inclusive community park. The approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan includes a dedicated inclusive recreation coordinator position, underscoring a commitment to sustainable, equitable access.

About the Firm

Halff is an award-winning, employee-owned and full-service infrastructure consulting firm celebrating a legacy of 75 years of improving lives and communities. Founded in 1950 by Dr. Albert H. Halff, the firm has built a legacy of delivering innovative solutions with a people-focused approach.

Operating from more than 30 offices across Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, Halff is a leader in design excellence and community impact, earning 84 project awards since 2021. Ranked No. 87 on Engineering News-Record’s 2024 Top 500 Design Firms list, Halff is also a USA TODAY National Top Workplace for a third consecutive year.