Greenwood, Arkansas – A major transportation project in Greenwood is reaching an important milestone as the first stage of the Greenwood Bypass is set to open to traffic on Thursday, June 4.
City officials will mark the occasion with a celebration event scheduled for 11 a.m. before motorists begin using the newly completed roadway. The bypass, which will eventually become part of Highway 10, is expected to improve traffic flow while paving the way for additional construction phases in the area.
The project began in 2024 and represents a significant infrastructure investment designed to modernize transportation routes through Greenwood.
First Phase Opens As Next Stage Begins
Stage One of the project includes approximately one mile of newly constructed roadway located south of the current Highway 10 corridor. The new section stretches from Highway 96 to South Coker Street.
As part of the work, crews constructed three new bridges along the bypass route. The project also involved replacing two existing bridges on Highway 10 to improve long-term roadway conditions and safety.
Drivers using the bypass will notice a new stop sign at the western end of the route where it intersects with South Coker Street and West Elm Street.
Officials noted that the roadway will ultimately be designated as Highway 10 once all phases of the bypass project have been completed.
While the opening marks a major achievement, it also signals the beginning of the next construction phase.
At the same time the bypass opens, the existing portion of Highway 10 between Bell Road and Highway 96 will be closed to traffic. The closure is necessary so construction crews can begin reconstructing that section of roadway and replace the bridge crossing Heartsill Creek.
This work will launch Stage Two of the Greenwood Bypass project.
New Traffic Pattern For Motorists
Transportation officials said motorists traveling between Highway 10 West, West Elm Street, and the Highway 10 and Highway 96 intersection will now be directed onto the newly opened bypass.
Access to downtown Greenwood will remain available despite the closure of the existing roadway section. Drivers will be able to reach downtown using a newly extended portion of Main Street that connects directly to the bypass.
Officials emphasized that traffic control measures will be in place throughout the transition. Construction barrels, barricades, and roadway signs will be installed to alert motorists to the closure and guide them through the new traffic pattern.
The Greenwood Bypass project is intended to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide a safer and more efficient transportation corridor for residents and visitors.
As the first phase officially opens and the second phase gets underway, drivers are encouraged to pay close attention to signage, follow posted detours, and allow extra travel time while adjusting to the new traffic routes. The completion of Stage One marks a significant step forward in a project that will eventually reshape how traffic moves through Greenwood and along the future Highway 10 corridor.
