BENTON, ARKANSAS – The City of Benton, in coordination with Saline Health System, would like to reassure residents and visitors that ongoing construction at Exit 117 off Interstate 30 will not affect access to emergency services or traffic to and from the hospital.

The infrastructure improvements at Exit 117 are part of a long-planned project aimed at enhancing traffic flow and safety as the city continues to grow. While the project includes realigning on- and off-ramps and enhancing nearby roads, clear pathways to Saline Memorial Hospital are always maintained.

“Public safety remains our number one priority,” said Benton Mayor Tom Farmer. “We’ve worked closely with hospital leadership and the Arkansas Department of Transportation to ensure that emergency vehicles and patients will have uninterrupted access throughout the project.”

Saline Health System CEO Char Boulch echoed the statement, “We appreciate the city’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted access to Saline Memorial Hospital. Ensuring timely emergency care for our patients, staff, and visitors is essential, and we’re confident that these improvements will ultimately benefit the entire community.”

The construction project is expected to continue into mid-2026 and is part of a broader effort to support Benton’s growing population and development needs, including the future Buc-ee’s location and surrounding commercial expansion.

For updates on traffic changes and construction progress, visit www.bentonar.org or follow the City of Benton on social media and Salinememorial.org.