A portion of the River Trail (on the problematic portion) at the railroad overpass just east of the Packet House on Cantrell Road has been closed for construction.
The state Highway and Transportation Department is rebuilding the road at the curve in hopes of reducing the accident rate there. The river trail on the south side of the roadway will be closed at the bridge from today through July 30 for storm sewer and sidewalk construction. A temporary alternate trail is to be built through that area after the road work. Though the trail is scheduled to reopen in two weeks, the road construction will last several months.
Despite the narrowness of the river trail along Cantrell in front of the Episcopal Collegiate School, it’s a popular bike route. The city, in announcing the closure, notes the nearest railroad bridge crossing is the viaduct west of the Capitol on West Third St.
UPDATE: And while we’re talking about road disruptions, another news release:
Beginning Monday, July 9, the North Little Rock Electric Department will shut down the Murray Hydroelectric Power Plant for maintenance. The Murray Hydroelectric Plant at 4000 Cooks Landing Road in North Little Rock is adjacent to Murray Lock and Dam No. 7. Cooks Landing Road, at the point where it crosses the Hydro plant, will be closed during much of the maintenance period and will not be accessible to vehicle or foot traffic.
…The road across the dam will close on July 9, 2012, for at least three full weeks. Maintenance engineers plan to complete the first phase of the project by the end of July but caution that it could take longer. Other maintenance steps will force the City to close the road for shorter periods throughout the summer.