A consultant hired with private money to suggest better ideas for Interstate 30 than the 10-lane project the Arkansas Highway Department envisions for downtown Little Rock will show some of his work next week.

Citizens to Improve I-30 Crossing announced today that Norman Marshall, president of Smart Mobility, Inc., will present his findings at a city board meeting at 4 p.m. April 12. (No need for Vice Mayor Lance Hines to attend; he’s already made clear his love of concrete and a preference for serving the needs of people who don’t live in Little Rock first).


Marshall will also give a second presentation at 6 p.m. that day at First United Methodist Church. The public is invited to both sessions.

Marshall has analyzed the Highway Department’s approach to planning for the project.


A release from the Arkansas Public Policy Panel on his appearance quoted City Director Kathy Webb:

“I hope hearing Mr. Marshall’s report will inspire people to engage in efforts to find better alternatives for our city than a ten-lane highway.”

Marshall is still working on an outline of feasible alternatives to the 10-lane freeway plan. It will be completed in a few weeks, the release said, and a second public meeting will be held.


Marshall founded Smart Mobility in 2001 and has managed projects in a number of major cities.

Keep up with Improve 30 Crossing on the group’s Facebook page.