FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Springdale to Host Ribbon Cutting for 2023 Bond Project Featuring Dedication of the Dr. E. Walter LeFevre Bridge
Springdale, AR – July 31, 2025 – The City of Springdale will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the completion of a major 2023 Bond Project: the final connection of Emma Avenue and the official dedication of the Dr. E. Walter LeFevre Bridge. This event marks a transformative moment in the city’s infrastructure advancement and pays tribute to one of Springdale’s most revered civic and engineering leaders.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will include remarks from Mayor Doug Sprouse, key stake holders, and members of the LeFevre family, who will speak in honor of Dr. LeFevre’s legacy and lifelong commitment to public service.
The completion of the Emma Avenue connection from Pleasant Street to ARDOT Highway 112 creates a vital new corridor that enhances travel across Springdale and beyond. This new intercity route provides residents and commuters with a direct and congestion-free crossing over Interstate 49, reducing dependence on overloaded interchanges like Elm Springs Road.
Key benefits of the project include:
A direct, uninterrupted route between two of Springdale’s three high schools.
Safer and faster school commutes for students of Har-Ber High School and Central Junior High.
Alleviated traffic pressures on I-49 and adjacent interchanges, offering an alternative route that does not involve freeway ramps.
Expanded opportunities for pedestrians, cyclists, and alternative transportation as part of the city’s active transportation network.
A major step in completing the Pride of Springdale Trail, connecting residents to key destinations throughout the city.
The realization of a long-term planning vision from the early 2000s to boost east-west mobility and citywide interconnectivity.
Honoring Dr. E. Walter LeFevre
Born in Eden, Texas, Dr. E. Walter LeFevre was a professional engineer, a dedicated public servant, and former Dean of the University of Arkansas College of Engineering. His leadership at the local, state, and academic levels helped shape modern infrastructure policy and inspired countless engineers and civic leaders.
“This important infrastructure project was made possible by the strong support of Springdale voters in the 2023 Bond Issue. I want to thank our voters for their continued support. I’m appreciative for this opportunity to memorialize the community service and vision of Dr. E. Walter LeFevre,” said Mayor Doug Sprouse. “He served for many years on the Springdale Planning Commission, during a critical time of growth for our city. This bridge is just one example of Walt’s vision during a lifetime of community service. It’s fitting and proper that this important connection carry his name.”
Members of the LeFevre family will join city officials to share personal reflections on Dr. LeFevre’s enduring legacy during the ceremony.
Event Details
What: Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony – 2023 Bond Project
When: Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Dr. E. Walter LeFevre Bridge
Parking Arrangements: Parking will be available between 40th and 48th in the correct lane of travel. Once event has concluded, we will all drive over the bridge for the very first time together!
This ribbon cutting marks not only the completion of a transformative 2023 Infrastructure Bond Project but also honors the foresight, values, and leadership that continue to shape Springdale’s future.
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About Springdale, Arkansas
The City of Springdale is located at the northwest corner of the state of Arkansas. The city is the fourth-largest city in the state with nearly 90,000 residents. The mission of the City of Springdale is to provide quality services for the betterment of the health, safety, welfare, prosperity, comfort, and convenience of all persons in the City of Springdale, Arkansas. Learn more about Springdale, Arkansas by visiting www.springdalear.gov
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