Michael Baker International has delivered environmental and design services for a $78.5m widening project of US Highway 70 between Interstate 30 and the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The construction project was undertaken for the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).

The project involved the expansion of an 18-mile stretch of highway from two lanes to five, reconstruction of four bridges, and construction of 20 box culverts. A key intersection was also signalised to improve safety for both local and through traffic.

“The company was tasked to correct portions of the roadway that did not meet existing standards for horizontal and vertical alignments.”

Michael Baker International Little Rock, Arkansas office vice-president and executive Mike Stengel said: “Widening Highway 70 presented a number of design challenges related to the right of way and traffic maintenance that the Michael Baker design team successfully overcame to provide the highest quality improvements at a lower construction cost.

“We are proud to have played such an integral role in this key project in central Arkansas, and we are excited about the improvements that this ARDOT project has made to both mobility and safety in this corridor.”

The company was tasked to correct portions of the roadway that did not meet existing standards for horizontal and vertical alignments.

With more than 3,000 employees across approximately 100 locations, Michael Baker offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions to support the US federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, as well as a wide range of commercial clients.