JACKSONVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Transportation said construction on Interstate 57 in Jacksonville is almost finished, with the project’s completion date set for 6 months earlier than originally planned.

This comes as good news for businesses in the area, as they struggle with construction and the impact it’s having.

James Nicholas owns TLC Apparel in Jacksonville. He said the company has hustled to keep business going.

“I’ve had customers that we’ve had to reach back out to and say, ‘Hey, I haven’t had an order from you in a month, or two or three or four,’” Nicholas said. “And they’re like, ‘It’s just hard to get into Jacksonville.’”

Woman hit by two vehicles in Jacksonville dies

The city said in a post on Wednesday that the recent closures of Roma Italian Restaurant, Starbucks and Slim Chickens are disappointing but to be expected.

“We don’t like to see anybody lose a business. But as a city, we like to look long term,” Birch said.

Once completed, a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of what was highway 67 and interstate 67 widens from three lanes to six.

The project also adds three new bridges and a new overpass.

Nicholas said while the project comes with growing pains for some businesses, he believes the unique city of Jacksonville needs the improvement.

“If we don’t take care of that airbase and the infrastructure right here — Jacksonville is going to perish.”

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.