A $3.6 million underground tunnel project connecting the Arkansas State Capitol to the nearby Multi-Agency Complex (Big MAC) is almost finished, with construction expected to wrap up just in time for the state’s legislative session beginning in January. The tunnel, which spans 50 yards and cuts across a steep hillside, will improve accessibility between the Capitol and the Big MAC building.

On the surface, the area above the tunnel is almost ready, with the road behind the Capitol paved and new parking lines painted along the sidewalk. Although part of the road remains blocked off, crews have also added fresh sod to the surrounding grounds. Below ground, workers are installing elevators, flooring, and ceiling grids, according to Marty Garrity, director of the Bureau of Legislative Research. The tunnel’s design will include light colors, wood accents, and dynamic lighting, mirroring the Capitol’s basement style.

The tunnel’s construction is set to benefit lawmakers, who frequently travel between the Capitol and Big MAC for committee meetings and office work. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester explained that the tunnel would significantly improve safety and efficiency during the winter legislative sessions.

“Session is in winter, and we deal with a lot of inclement weather,” Hester said. “From something as basic as staff traveling from building to building — and they travel … sometimes with thousands of pages of printouts — we just think it’s for safety as we’ve had staff fall over the past years. For efficiency, I think there’s going to be a lot of benefit.”

While it is still uncertain whether the public will be granted access to the tunnel, Hester indicated that a decision would be made once the tunnel is operational. “Once it’s completed and we see how it’s functioning and where members’ offices are, we will make a determination,” he said. Garrity, however, believes the tunnel will be open to the public, with Capitol police managing security.

The construction site has been fenced off for most of the year, while Little Rock-based Kinco Constructors LLC completed the work. Garrity praised Kinco for managing the project effectively, reporting no major problems.

This tunnel project was done alongside a $4.5 million mechanical room construction for a new air handling system for the Capitol building’s north end. Brent Stamp, director of Capitol facilities, confirmed that the mechanical room was completed without incident.

Despite past objections to funding similar tunnel projects due to cost concerns, lawmakers approved this one in 2023, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders giving her approval to the project. “If legislators feel this is a needed upgrade to our Capitol that uses taxpayer dollars responsibly, then they have the ability to move these improvements forward,” she said.

The tunnel is expected to be fully functional in time for the state’s 95th General Assembly, which convenes on January 13, 2024.